The exhibition invites for an imaginary, ever-changing, physical landscape where more than just one interpretation of site lingers. The often one-sided portrayal of site, here: Gaza is challenged by Siljeholm’s project.

A few years ago, at Rocky Hotel, in Ramallah, a man introduced to Siljeholm as “The richest man in Gaza” tells her: Gaza is my paradise. It is amazing! You will understand when you get there. I’ll pick you up at the city gate, and you will be my guest. 

But, Siljeholm was denied entrance to Gaza so she had no way of seeing this man’s so-called paradise. Instead, she was forced to visualise it mentally through many phone-calls that followed their first meeting. His accounts of the place became her “eyes”. The protagonist is present only through a voice with no face, Siljeholm’s exhibition narrates a story with no images wherein "The Richest Man in Gaza" is "the director" and Siljeholm is, "the camera". 

The 1976 film “Here and Elsewhere” by Jean-Luc Godard, serve as a theoretical framework of the work. It too surface parallels between the life of Godard and Siljeholm´s host in Gaza 

Curated by Rikke Komissar and Martina Petrelli, Akershus Kunstsenter. Thanks to: Hashem Khozendar and artist assistant: Mads Hiorth Rønne. Supported by: Norwegian Arts Council, Billedkunstnernes Vederlagsfond, Johansen Monumentbyggeri.

Photos by: Istvan Virag