Archivorum, in collaboration with the Centre d'Art Contemporain Genève and the MAMCO, is delighted to showcase the ongoing project Exile is a Hard Job by the acclaimed artist Nil Yalter, a visionary work initiated in 1975.

 

The installation will be on display starting Friday morning. It will be launched with an engaging talk with Nil Yalter, moderated by Lorenzo Benedetti and Anaïs Auger-Mathurin, at the Centre d'Art Contemporain Genève on Friday, January 26th at 12:30 PM.

 

Exile is a Hard Job is a poignant installation showcasing ephemeral fly posters of immigrants, each bearing the impactful slogan "Exile is a Hard Job". The title, inspired by a poem from the esteemed Turkish poet Nâzım Hikmet, captures the often overlooked hardships faced by immigrants in foreign countries.

Nil Yalter's art confronts contemporary political and social issues, delving into themes such as the lives of women in prisons and the living conditions of immigrant workers. Her quasi-anthropological approach uncovers the narratives of marginalized communities. This work is a testament to her journey from early abstract paintings to her current socially engaged art, which includes video and performance art.

 

During the exhibition, visitors will have an active role. They are invited to write the phrase "Exile is a Hard Job" in their native language and script. This interactive component aims to cultivate solidarity among people from diverse backgrounds, transforming the installation into a dynamic, participatory experience.

 

Exile is a Hard Job has previously been showcased in cities Valencia, Metz, Mumbai, Vienna, Istanbul, Brussels, Cologne, and New York.

 

As we anticipate Nil Yalter's participation in the 2024 Venice Biennale, Archivorum extend its sincere gratitude to Ab-Anbar Gallery for their unwavering support in reviving this significant project.

 

 

Biography:

Nil Yalter (b. 1938), born in Egypt and based in Paris, is a graduate of Robert College, Istanbul. Yalter’s diverse practice encompasses painting, installation, photography, video, and performance. She is widely recognised as a trailblazing female video artist in Europe, challenging the male gaze and advocating for socially marginalised groups. Yalter’s work has been featured internationally at prestigious institutions such as the Kadist Art Foundation, Mumbai; Museum of Modern Art, Rio de Janeiro; Museum Boijimans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam; MAC VAL, Paris; and Museum Ludwig, Cologne. Her works are part of renowned public collections, including the Tate Modern, London; Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; and Museum Ludwig, Cologne.

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