Jihad references a widely circulating media image from 2006: a masked Islamist militant standing before a camera, weapon in hand, delivering a final message of violence. The scene is familiar, rehearsed, and deeply embedded in global news imagery.
In this video, that script is abruptly subverted. The so-called “terrorist,” stands before a backdrop painted with the American flag. After reciting a verse from the Qur’an, he picks up an acoustic guitar, and begins to sing “This Land Is Your Land,” Woody Guthrie’s iconic American folk song.
Video stills
Details:
- One channel video installation
- Dur.: 03:27 min
- Hd digital | stereo | 4:3
- Performer: Aws Alnayb
- With thanks to Hannu Peltomaa.