'Water, Reed, and other Defensive Strategies' is the first multimedia installation by Ameneh Solati. The work tells the story of the Ahwar, or the vast wetlands of what was once Mesopotamia in southern Iraq. Although the area is of historical and ecological importance, the marshes are currently threatened by government infrastructure projects and the climate crisis, leading to desiccation. How can the inhabitants of the area maintain their autonomy and independence? The multi-channel installation shows short videos of 3D environments, satellite imagery, and film footage – accompanied by a soundscape that the artist created in collaboration with sound designer Farzaneh Nouri. The four reed Bariya mats are hand-woven by the local Ahwari people. Solati also shows reproductions of maps, images, stamps, publications, and a video. The installation was part of the group exhibition 'New Wave: Future Voices in Art' at Stedelijk Museum Schiedam.

Photo: Ossip van Duivenbode