26 April 2022 12am
Lawrence Abu Hamdan gives a virtual tour of his solo exhibition, 45th Parallel. Speaking to his interest in the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, the artist gives us a glimpse into the stories told in his commissioned film, and reflects on what they tell us about permeable borders and impermeable laws.
2021-22 Online Engagement Supported by TD Bank Group.
Cinematography, Editing & Captioning by Vuk Dragojevic.
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Lawrence Abu Hamdan (born in 1985, Amman, Jordan) is a “Private Ear.” His interest in sound and politics originates from his background as a touring musician and facilitator of DIY music. The artist’s audio investigations have been used as evidence at the UK Asylum and Immigration Tribunal and as advocacy for organizations such as Amnesty International. Lawrence has exhibited at the 58th Venice Biennale (2019); the 13th and 14th Sharjah Biennial (2017 and 2019); the 11th Gwangju Biennale (2016); and Tate Modern, London, UK. As part of a temporary collective with nominated artists Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo and Tai Shani, he was awarded the 2019 Turner Prize.
45th Parallel is a collaboration between Mercer Union and the Toronto Biennial of Art. It is commissioned by Mercer Union, Toronto; Spike Island, Bristol; the Toronto Biennial of Art; and Western Front, Vancouver. The film is produced by LONO Studio and made possible with the generous support of Arts Council England, Canada Council for the Arts, the Ford Foundation and mor charpentier.
Mercer Union thanks Leading Supporters Donna & Robert Poile.
45th Parallel is presented as part of Artist First, a Mercer Union commissioning platform. Artist First Commissions are made possible with the generous support of Rebecca Carbin, Jane Corkin, Popsy & Bob Johnstone, David & Erica Neligan, Nuyten Dime Foundation, Jeanne Parkin & Jennifer Parkin, Donna & Robert Poile, Victoria Taylor, and Morden Yolles. To learn more about Artist First click the link here.
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. In-kind sponsorship is provided by Panasonic through its partnership program for cultural institutes.
Still from the video walkthrough of Lawrence Abu Hamdan: 45th Parallel. Commissioned by Mercer Union, 2022. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Vuk Dragojevic.