Gazelle Samizay

Bio
Gazelle Samizay is an artist who works predominantly in video and photography.  Born in Kabul, Afghanistan and now residing in the United States, Samizay’s work explores the intersection of her Afghan heritage and American upbringing, touching on both the personal and sociopolitical.  Her photographs and videos have been exhibited across the U.S. and internationally, including Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Peru, and the U.K. In addition to her studio practice, she has taught courses in Afghanistan, Jordan, and the U.S. She is a recipient of the Princess Grace Experimental Film Honoraria, the Peter Treistman Creative Project Award, and the Centennial Achievement Award, among others. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s in Fine Arts at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Artist Statement
This Will Be the Last— 2009, Video, 7 min.
In an effort to escape her marital problems, a woman preoccupies herself with washing a seemingly clean bedsheet. Constrained by cultural stigma and pride, she will not leave her husband. She prefers to maintain the façade of a perfect life over her own happiness. However, all the past memories of the relationship metaphorically seep out of the sheet. Soon, she feels the burden of keeping silent and realizes that she is complicit in her own misery. Instead of escaping her problems, she is consumed by them until they render her powerless.

9,409 Miles, 2009, Video, 6 min.
In 9,409 Miles the viewer watches an architect who, after leaving Afghanistan more than 20 years ago, is still longing for the house he built and was forced to leave. His wife, whose efforts in creating a new home will never be enough, also feels the impact of dislocation. Absorbed in recalling the memories of his old house, the architect pays no heed to his wife preparing him breakfast. However, the architect’s ruminations are abruptly interrupted, signifying the futility of clinging to a home that only exists in his imagination.

Nosh-e Jan (Bon Appetit), 2008, 7 min.
In Nosh-e Jan (Bon Appetit) the viewer is invited to witness the ritual of passing and consuming secrets within an Afghan-American family. The ritual serves as an outlet of expression for the women that bear secrets, without violating the strict code of keeping face. Though the secrets are shared in three different languages (Pashto, Dari, and English), the secrets transcend the generational divides of an immigrant family. While the women are the main transmitters of the secrets, the impact on men must not be forgotten.

Work Details:
This Will Be the Last—
Video
7 min.
2009

9,409 Miles
Video
6 min.
2009

Nosh-e Jan (Bon Appetit)
Video
7 min.
2008