Libretto-o-o: A Curtain Design in the Bright Sunshine Heavy in Love

An artist and composer, Joe Namy explores notions of identity, memory and power through sound and music. Originally commissioned as a research project for Sharjah Biennial 13, Libretto-o-o: A Curtain Design in the Bright Sunshine Heavy with Love (2017) examines the influence of opera on Arab music. The installation is a layered patchwork of textiles, including garments used for celebration, mourning and everyday wear. The fabrics were sourced from dozens of shops in and around Sharjah’s historical quarter, and sewn by local tailors. The dramatic interplay of vibrant colours and patterns sets the stage for an audio track comprised of short stories, poems and essays on the subject of opera, read aloud by five writers. Departing from the pageantry that is typical of operatic productions, Namy’s visual and sonic composition inspires a contemplative sense of occasion that resonates with the interior and public surroundings of the piece.