Hahaha and Dajjeh* by Abir Kobeissi, a silkscreen prints and a silent performance

*“Dajjeh” in Arabic means noise or rumor

on show June 17-19, 2024
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These printed words, usually used while texting, represent here a silent laughter, only heard by the one reading it, although sometimes read out loud.

To unfamiliar viewers, the work is a vivid calligraphic Arabic/Islamic design. To Arabic speakers it is immediately legible as a laughter printed in words, creating a silent performance in their heads the moment it is perceived.

“haha”’s esthetical language, is mainly inspired by the mourning ceremonies aesthetics of “Ashura”, in which black textile are intensively used, with ornaments, calligraphy and vivid decorative elements.
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Abir Kobeissi, born in Beirut, now a migrating artist in Germany, is mourning her relation with her loved ones, that has turned moments of happiness to be shared only behind a mobile screen, fooling herself into closeness, or perhaps achieving it despite the distance.