RCTH: Community Enrichment by Reviving the Crafts and Tangible Heritage of Jordanian Cities
Implemented by: Mazen Alali
City: Amman, Jordan
Implemented by: 560Zoom
City: Casablanca, Maroc
Behind 560Zoom, a name borrowed from a Sony cassette camcorder, are Elodie Sacher, Younes El Hossaini and Snoopy alias Badr Haoutar. These young people, based in Casablanca, have a particular interest in analog audio-visual devices that fell into oblivion after the advent of the digital age. They explore the souks of Casablanca, dig out various video mixers and processors, in order to divert them by means of circuit-bending. By exploring the aesthetics of technical failure, the Collective’s installations and performances re-question the material conditioning – tangible and physical – of the audio-visual products that our society faces on a daily basis.
The 560Zoom project “Moul Tlfazat” focuses on the character of the technician-handyman from the city of Casablanca who recycles and repairs household appliances and televisions. His profession is mainly seen as a necessity, but his engineering and craftsmanship skills also demonstrates the creativity and innovative spirit of the citizens of the metropolis.
Initially, the research involves retracing the journey of goods from Europe to Morocco, recycling practices and trades in the city of Casablanca. This phase will be continued with the initiation of several know-how exchange groups. Each group will be made up of a technician-handyman, a client, a young technician and a student from the School of Fine Arts in order to encourage an artistic approach in an environment deemed technical and practical, and to lead to the creation of functional objects. These innovative off-market gadgets will be showcased at a public sale as part of an exhibition.
Implemented by: Mazen Alali
City: Amman, Jordan
Implemented by: Dalal Mitwally
City: Amman, Jordan
Implemented by: Bahaleen
City: Amman - Um Qais – Zarqa - Aqaba, Jordan