The Bell by Ayman Yossri Dayban in BEYOND November 7-10 @AthrArtGallery @AbuDhabiArt

Ayman Yossri Daydban, 'The Bell' Installation view. Stainless steel, variation in sizes, 2012

'Beyond' is a unique event incorporated into this years Abu Dhabi Art. It is an opportunity for galleries to bring larger works to more public forums. 'The Bell' by Ayman Yossri Daydban is an installation that appears as a large spiraling wind chime that hangs from the ceiling. Instead of the chime tubes, the artist uses metal constructs of the Palestinian flag. The flag is made of metal sheets that are folded to create the recognizable triangle, and are produced without the precision of welding, but rather the artist uses his own strength and body weight to bend the metal with his bare hands, often injuring himself in the process. Daydban often addresses the symbolic nature of the flag and its paradoxical capability to create a collective identity through division.
 

“I am unsure if this is a story or a legend or truth, but I am certain that I have heard it or seen it or read it somewhere.
It is said that there was a ruthless, unjust sultan who one day was simply bored!
So he commanded his troops to place a large bell in the town square.
And he informed the people that when any one of them felt wronged, they should ring the bell.
The people’s fear increased and the bell was deserted.
The years passed without anyone ringing the bell until it was so overgrown with grasses and vines that it disappeared.
Then one day, a (lamb) that had strayed from its flock passed close to the bell, was drawn by the vines and grazed on them until the bell rang.
So the people hearkened its resounding call ... and they rose up”