"So much I Want to Say". The introspective dimension of Mona Hatoum’s artistic practice

Abstract

This article examines the artistic trajectory of the British Palestinian artist Mona Hatoum, with a particular focus on the role of her experience of exile in shaping her artistic practice. In her artistic work, Hatoum transforms her personal experience into a visual discourse that challenges conventional notions of contemporary art. Her stylistic evolution has led her towards a minimalist approach that emphasises the melancholy of exile and the fragility of existence. The article’s methodology is a comprehensive examination of the artist’s work over several decades, accompanied by a critical analysis of the existing literature on her practice. This approach elucidates the multifaceted meanings inherent in her work and investigates how her subjective experiences, shaped by introspection, serve as sources of creativity and emotional resonance. Hatoum is known for her ability to convey complex experiences through evocative visual language inviting reflection on one’s identity and sense of belonging.