Sarab
Stefania Artusi Khalfi
Sarab presents an alternative imaginary Arab itinerary within Palermo’s historic center, diverging from the official Arab-Norman route promoted by heritage guides.
The creative process began with the marking of points on a map of the historic centre, identifying sites that are not officially recognized but are referenced in the travel accounts of 10th Century Arab explorers, as well as locations connected to the experiences of Palermo’s Muslim community. The aim was to merge time and space, creating a new unity that links past and present, connecting the visible with the invisible. Subsequently, an imaginary map was constructed through specific gestures that weave together these different places. The gestures in Sarab form an ephemeral, imaginary layer that loosely connects the points which correspond to their real-world counterparts. These gestures were subsequently hand-printed onto linen textiles, forming the basis of a visual installation. The work is further enriched by field recordings captured in these various locations, many of which attest to the significance of these spaces for the local Muslim community and the cultural and religious stratifications that inhabit them.