In the quiet corridors of the Hessel Museum at Bard College, an evocative exploration awaits. From February 1 to 23, 2025, the museum presents “The Search for Power,” an innovative collaboration between artist Tania El Khoury and historian Ziad Abu-Rish. This immersive experience delves into Lebanon’s complex relationship with electricity, unearthing narratives that intertwine colonial legacies, political machinations, and everyday resilience.
The genesis of this project is as compelling as its execution. One evening in Beirut, amidst an unexpected power outage, El Khoury and Abu-Rish found themselves reflecting on the persistent energy crises that have long plagued their homeland. El Khoury, having grown up during the Lebanese Civil War, perceived these blackouts as a byproduct of wartime turmoil. Abu-Rish, however, recalled a 1952 government document detailing scheduled electricity outages in Beirut, predating the war. This revelation sparked a collaborative investigation into the historical intricacies of Lebanon’s power infrastructure.
Their research journey traversed time and geography, reaching back to the initial introduction of electricity in Beirut, a period predating the concept of a Lebanese state. The duo scoured archives across Lebanon and former colonial powers—Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Their findings revealed a transnational narrative where electricity intersects with colonial ambitions, elite political and economic strategies, and the daily acts of resistance and survival by ordinary citizens.
“The Search for Power” manifests as both an interactive sound installation and a live lecture performance, engaging participants in a multifaceted dialogue. The installation invites visitors to don headphones and delve into a curated archive, allowing for personal reflection at one’s own pace. In contrast, the live performances feature El Khoury and Abu-Rish guiding audiences through their investigative journey, blending artistic expression with historical analysis.
The live performances are scheduled for 6pm on February 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9. Tickets are priced at $20. For those preferring a self-directed experience, the open installation is accessible without reservation during museum hours: 11 AM to 4 PM on performance days and 11 AM to 5 PM on non-performance days. The final admission is one hour before closing.
Attendees should note a food allergy advisory: the central performance table features items such as candles, tree nuts, grapes, dried apricots, and wine.
Tania El Khoury, renowned for her interactive installations, focuses on collective memory and solidarity. Her works, activated by sensory elements and audience participation, have been showcased globally, earning her accolades including the Herb Alpert Award and the Soros Art Fellowship. She serves as a Distinguished Artist in Residence at Bard College and directs the OSUN Center for Human Rights & the Arts.
Ziad Abu-Rish, an Associate Professor of Human Rights and Middle East Studies at Bard, specializes in the modern Middle East and North Africa. His research delves into state formation, economic development, and popular mobilizations, with a focus on Lebanon and Jordan. He directs Bard’s MA Program in Human Rights and the Arts and has co-edited works like The Dawn of the Arab Uprisings: End of an Old Order?
“The Search for Power” is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, offering a profound lens into the socio-political currents that shape our infrastructures and, by extension, our lives. This presentation is a joint effort by the Fisher Center LAB and CCS Bard, underscoring Bard College’s commitment to fostering innovative dialogues at the intersection of art and scholarship.