Hyperrhiz 3
Islamic Intertext
OnacloV
University of Sydney
Citation: OnacloV, . “Islamic Intertext.” Hyperrhiz: New Media Cultures, no. 3, 2007. doi:10.20415/hyp/003.g05
Abstract: Islamic Intertext, a three-channel video installation, is the outcome of 67 interviews I conducted with members of the Australian Muslim community during the years 2003-2005. The interviewees come from 28 countries. In each video they discuss vilification, multiculturalism and jihad. Each screen is devoted to a single issue. As well as exploring how Australian Muslims perceive their position in Australian society, the work investigates how the genre of documentary may be transformed into video installation via the processes of intertextuality and détournement. My work analyses the interviewees' video responses, adopting Julia Kristeva's notion of intertextuality and Guy Debord's tactic of détournement.
The vilification of Australian Muslims since 11 September 2001 is explored in relation to multicultural policy, intended to protect Australians' religious and cultural freedom. The concept of jihad interacts with vilification and the stereotyping of Muslims as terrorists. Australian Muslims are a heterogeneous community and should not be confined by such stereotypes. The interviewees' diverse responses to their experiences since September 11 demonstrate their heterogeneity.
READ ESSAY Hijacking Documentary into Video Installation Art