A. Schulenberg Beyond borders
the work of Ghada Amer, Mona Hatoum, Shirin Neshat, and Shahzia Sikander
Gedrukt boek
This art historical study focuses on the work of four contemporary, female artists of Middle Eastern descent, who migrated at a young age to the West. In their work, they reflect on their experiences of migration and their familiarity with multiple cultures, and awareness of various views on notions as identity, gender and the home. The impact of their migration on how they visualise these experiences and views are diverse in character, partly related to the circumstances of their migration and their relationship to their country of birth. The work of these artists is often interpreted in relation to their background. Referring to the artists’ background can shed an interesting light on their artworks and views. It is, however, necessary to be cautious about placing too much emphasis on their life experiences, as it will leave out many other interesting aspects of their work. Their work has proven to be much more complex than a mere reflection of their background.