Jude Abu Zaineh

بتهون (حلم بيافا) | Bit-hoon (this too shall pass //dreaming of Yaffa)
Jude Abu Zaineh
Argon in phosphor coated glass tubes, electrodes, transformers
36” x 29” x 5” 
2022

An ode to hope and perseverance, Bit-hoon (this too shall pass//dreaming of Jaffa)| بتهون (حلم بيافا) is a neon and printed work that calls for tenacity to work through challenging times while living in exile. In Arabic, بِتهون (pronounced: bit-hoon) is a meaningful word roughly translates to: this too shall pass; everything will be alright; or, have patience. Similarly, the delicate practice of bending glass requires calmness and determination. The gentle glow of the neon illuminates a printed image of Jaffa, a site imbued with memories associated with the lineage of the artist’s mother. This site can only be reached through archives or dreams.

Installation shot from solo exhibition, In the Presence of Absence, curated by Noor Ale; Art Windsor-Essex. Photo by Frank Piccolo.