The Norient Special «DisOrient – Welcome to the Hall of Mirrors» presents contemporary music videos from the Middle East as well as Central and South Asia, that challenge Orientalist stereotypes. A sensitive topic.
Much is said about Orientalism in Western mainstream music videos. But how do musicians from the respective regions strike back? For this Norient Special international curators and authors from the Norient community come together to research contemporary music videos from the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia, that re-imagine, parody, or deconstruct Orientalism. And we also must speak about Self-Orientalisation. Curated by Theresa Beyer and Dara Shikoh Channa.
Commentary by Nermin AbbassiWhen Saad Lamjarred’s hit song «Lm3allem» topped the charts, little attention was given to the self-Orientalist imageries that were propagated by this song. If anything, this music video is another invitation to further endorse the global trend of Orientalist consumerism.
Playlist by Neil van der LindenSix international curators from the Norient community have researched contemporary music videos that re-imagine, parody, or deconstruct Orientalism. Here is the shortlist by curator Neil van der Linden, who predominantly focuses on videos from Saudi Arabia.
Track by Rehab HazguiWith four main notes only, the legendary video game «Prince of Persia» (Jordan Mechner, 1989) tries to build a soundscape that illustrates a mysterious and timeless «Orient». This simple Orientalist midi melody is an echo of childhood for Tunisian designer and composer Rehab Hazgui.
Playlist by Daniyal AhmedSix international curators from the Norient community have researched contemporary music videos that re-imagine, parody, or deconstruct Orientalism. Here is the shortlist curated by anthropologist and musician Daniyal Ahmed, who focuses on Pakistan.
Playlist by Berit SchuckSix international curators from the Norient community have researched contemporary music videos that re-imagine, parody, or deconstruct Orientalism. Here is the shortlist by the curator and researcher Berit Schuck, who focuses on videos from Morocco, Egypt, and Lebanon.
Interview by Berit SchuckThe Lebanese-American media artist, composer, and educator Joe Namy has shown a particular interest in the power structures and social constructs embedded in music. Norient spoke with him about his new project on opera and about his audiovisual work «Libretto-o-o: d’artifice».
Playlist by Ali SayahSix international curators from the Norient community have researched contemporary music videos that re-imagine, parody, or deconstruct Orientalism. Here is the shortlist curated by artist and musician Ali Sayah, who focuses on the Iranian indie scene. It’s going to be dark, surreal, and very spatial...
Playlist by Georgy MamedovSix international curators from the Norient community have researched contemporary music videos that re-imagine, parody, or deconstruct Orientalism. Here is the shortlist by curator and activist Georgy Mamedov, who focuses on videos from Central Asia.
Playlist by Basak SenovaSix international curators from the Norient community have researched contemporary music videos that re-imagine, parody, or deconstruct Orientalism. Here is the shortlist by curator and designer Basak Senova, who focuses on videos from Türkiye.
Short Essay by Basak SenovaIn this commentary, curator and designer Basak Senova discusses the background of Turkish rapper Ceza’s music video «Türk Marşı» (2012). The video mashes elements from past and present Turkish culture to challenge the circulation of clichéd images between the East and the West.
