The Memory Matrix – Eiffel Tower is a temporary monument in the continuous process of building and dismantling. It is part of the ongoing Memory Matrix project series (see project description of the first iteration, Memory Matrix – Palmyra, 2016). This iteration took place in Ramallah, part of the 3rd Qalandiya International Biennale. The Memory Matrix – Eiffel Tower references both Ramallah’s disappeared radio antenna and its TV-antennas in shape of mini Eiffel Towers, commenting on the politics of broadcasting, non-territorial connectivity, and cultural preservation of more recent significant sites. The matrix consisted of over 15,000 small fluorescent plexiglass elements, which were designed by project participants in workshops held at the International Art Academy Palestine, adding to the previous pixels designed at the Maker Faire in Cairo, Amman Design Week, Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, and at the London Biennale – Manila Pollination.
Concept and artistic direction: Azra Akšamija
Project development and production team: Farah Aldeek, Jawad Al Mahli, Wafa Mari, Khaldoun Bishara, Lillian Kology, Francesca Liuni, Raafat Majzoub, Heidi Pretterhifer, Tina Sherwell, Mamon Shreteh
Podcast authors and live speakers: Bisan and Hussam Abu Eisheh, Yusef Audeh, Khaldoun Bishara, Benji Boyadgian, Raafat Majzoub, Neil Sanzgiri, Salim Tamari
Pixel designers and jewelry makers: Abdallah Abu Soud, Abdel Raheem Mohammad, Amani Harhash, Dalia Boukhari, Hadeel
Qutna, Lubna Al-Araj, Noor Abu Hash-hash, Tuqa Al Sarraj, Yusor Hamed, Amani Yaqoub, Mai Mari, Wafa Mari
Pixel fabrication team: Stefan Elsholtz, Catherine Anabella Lie, Julia Litman-Cleper, Angeline Claire Jacques, Ranu Singh, Meng Sun, Kristen Wu
Production: Students and staff from the International Art Academy Palestine
Sponsors: MIT Program in Art, Culture and Technology, International Art Academy Palestine, RIWAQ, Qalandiya International, Gemzo ICT, TUBAR – Engineering and Construction Technology.
Special thanks to: Al-Istiqlal Park (The Palestinian National Garden Al-Irsal St.)
Public space installation, participatory project series
Part of the Memory Matrix project series.
Project commissioned by the International Art Academy Palestine, for the 3rd Qalandiya International Show, Ramallah, PS
Materials: Steel structure, fishing net, 15,000 neon-green acrylic elements, workshops, drawings, storytelling, jewelry
Dimensions: structure, 10 x 10 x 5 m; pixels, 5 x 5 cm