"Decolonize Land" (2021)
"Decolonize Land" stands as a poignant exploration within the series "Objects that Question Other Objects." In the gallery space, a four-square-meter plot of earth takes center stage, an evocative symbol laden with socio-political significance. Hovering above the soil is a banner bearing the stark imperative: "Decolonize." Adjacent, an A4 paper provides context to the piece, revealing insights into the struggles and narratives tied to colonized land.
Land, often overlooked as a silent witness to history, emerges here as a focal point for contemplation. In the artist's own words, it is one of the first entities to bear the weight of colonization. The installation prompts viewers to reconsider the intricate relationship between land, power, and resistance.
Accompanying narratives on A4 sheets delve into concrete examples that echo the pervasive issue of land colonization. Drawing from conversations in Vayots Dzor province in 2019, Aghasyan illuminates the challenges faced by local communities, from water scarcity to the privatization of communal lands by private entities. These struggles are not confined to a single region but resonate universally where the sanctity of land is compromised.
The work extends its gaze to global instances of colonization, transcending geographical borders. A potent example unfolds in Armenia with the mining company Lydian's development of the gold mine near Mount Amulsar. The collusion between corporate interests and governmental corruption results in the privatization of the mountain, causing environmental degradation and sparking a local community's steadfast resistance.
The artwork also echoes the painful aftermath of the 2020 war, where Artsakh faced both colonization and ethnic cleansing. Aghasyan's "Decolonize Land" becomes a timely and compelling commentary on the enduring struggles against forces that seek to exploit and oppress.
This installation invites contemplation, challenging viewers to confront the consequences of land colonization and to consider the role of resistance in shaping our collective future.
by Vahram Aghasyan
