Birzeit University Museum hosted on January 31, 2013 a lecture by installation artist Nasser Soumi about his project “Memory of Indigo.” The art piece explores indigo, a plant once widespread in Palestine, particularly in Jericho, until the beginnings of the 20^th century.

Museum Director Inas Yassin opened the talk by welcoming the guest and the audience, and expressing the museum’s eagerness to host such artwork and general sessions.

 

 

Artist Soumi spoke first about his relationship with the indigo plant, one that began as he stared at his uncle’s picture which was colored by natural indigo, as well as an interest in traditional Palestinian dress. He continued with readings on natural indigo and recalled meters of fabric dyed by indigo that was sold in the stores of the Old City of Jerusalem. Soumi also recalled how Palestinian houses were whitewashed with indigo to keep away vermin, as was the tradition at the time.

Soumi then showed a film on indigo plants, specifically on its cultivation in India, how the natural dye is extracted from the plant itself and used to dye fabrics. He also spoke of his latest project at Aleppo in 2010.

Soumi disclosed a new project he’s preparing for, which will explore the cultivation of indigo in Jericho, which was once the foremost area in the region in cultivating the indigo plant and exporting the purest and most expensive indigo dyes. The project aims to recall some old crafts and cultural heritage, in addition to highlighting the economic feasibility of such projects. He added that indigo planting will start soon, and art events on the like of Aleppo Festival will be held in several cities of Palestine.

At the end of the session, the audience engaged the artist in discussion about the new project and past projects.

Nasser Soumi was born in Selit Al Harthiyeh village and studied art at the National School of Fine Arts in Syria, from1971 to 1977, and then at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris France, from 1980 to 1982. He is an installation artist that transforms ordinary materials in everyday life to non- traditional creative arts.