Mona Hatoum's exhibition, "Over, under and in between", is a captivating journey through her recent work. The austere setting of three installations in concrete rooms heightens the drama of her prepositional acts, inviting viewers to wander and reflect. Each installation is a masterpiece of material transformation, where common elements like glass and steel become conduits for exploring human relationships and our place in the world. The first installation, "Web", is a delicate pattern of glass balls suspended overhead, evoking a range of mnemonic associations. The second, "Map (red)", is a critique of the world order based on imperial interests, using glass balls to replicate a fragile map of the world. The third, "All of a Quiver", is a minimalist steel tower that dances and buckles, creating a mesmerizing and unsettling experience. These works are not just about the materials, but about the relationships they forge between the artist, the materials, the audience, and the world. Hatoum's origins in Beirut, her education in graphic design and advertising, and her residencies in Jerusalem, Cairo, Amman, and Beirut have shaped her unique perspective. Her work challenges the notion of borders and the equality of all people, while also engaging with the region's history and culture. The exhibition in Milan is a testament to Hatoum's alchemical ability to transform materials into far-reaching reflections on human relationships and our place in the world. It is a delightful and thought-provoking experience, inviting viewers to reflect on the potential for reconfiguring the world order and redistributing its political power.
