Al-Mutanabbi

a project in response to the destruction of a centuries old street of book sellers in Baghdad.
The project initiated by the poet Beau Beausoleil called for works by book artists worldwide.
Each artist was asked to submit three books; here is my contribution in responding to the ugly, mindless, fueled by blind fanaticism act of destruction.

The design and content for my Al-Mutanabbi Street book was formed as a therapeutic approach to the strong emotions I felt while reading the “news” of the event; it is based on my belief, hope and wish for humanity's survival. I don't usually have text in my works, but this time I felt necessary to include my written "explanation”:
close-up detail


As long as we breathe, 
as long as we reason,
as long as we love and fall in love
There will be stories written,
history will be told
The Al-Mutanabbi streets of the world
will always exist, will always flourish.
unfolded back view

for more on Al Mutanabbi Street and the project:
from Huffington Post:  Al-Mutanabbi Street: Not Turning the Page
Artists' Books on  An inventory of Al-Mutanabbi Street
Mutanabbi Street (Arabicشارع المتنبي) is located in BaghdadIraq, near the old quarter of Baghdad; at Al Rasheed Street.[1] It is the historic center of Baghdad bookselling, a street filled with bookstores and outdoor book stalls. It was named after the 10th century classical Iraqi poet Al-Mutanabbi. This street is well established for bookselling and has often been referred to as the heart and soul of the Baghdad literacy and intellectual community.


Comments

  1. Such a beautiful and powerful response to this act!! Well done, indeed!

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  2. stunning and very moving anna - I love the 'grime' and grittiness of the covers and the ambiguous inner page graphics.... its both beautiful and haunting

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  3. A response from the heart Anna produced with your usual sensitivity for the subject. Your added words are also beautiful and eloquent.

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  4. Anna, what a beautiful and sensitive reading of the subject. As with all your work, these books are true works of art. Your tact is moving and heartfelt.

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  5. beautiful, sensitive and powerful work Anna

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  6. What a beautiful book, Anna, aesthetically and as a powerful response to a senseless act of destruction.

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