The Concealed Exchange - Zoha Zokaei

The Concealed Exchange, 2011

'The Concealed Exhange' in the Riverside Gallery at Waterman's Art Centre, was the latest solo exhibition by Iranian born artist, Zoha Zokaei, also a graduate of Goldsmiths MFA (2007).  Zokaei's recent multi-media practice explores the delicate and taboo subject of violence and abuse to females in traditional societies and communities.  Most interestingly and perhaps controversially, her work refers to the uncomfortable supporting role of the larger framework of that society, in victimising the abused people to be the actual victim, or putting them again within dangerous and abusive situations.

Zokaei exhibited two short films works, Victim (2009) and Revenge (2011), as well as a new series of narrative photographs.  The series of 3 photographs, entitled 'The Concealed Exhange' chart an idyllic family dinner setting, before and after an act of abuse has taken place, subsequent to which daily occurrences continue with an uncomfortable and knowing silence.  I particularly like the new photographic route to her practice, and I going to following closely to see what she does next.

Revenge, 2011