Book launch of 'The Parachute Paradox' by Steve Sabella at SOAS University of London
Channel: SOAS University of London
Date: 2016-11-22

https://www.soas.ac.uk/nme/
This is a recording of the London launch of 'The Parachute Paradox' by Steve Sabella, an internationally exhibited artist from Palestine that took place at the Near and Middle East Department at SOAS University of London on 21 November 2016.
You can find out more about this event at https://goo.gl/dkfYBO

Steve Sabella will launch the English-language, limited edition of his memoir, with a reading, discussion with Dr Siba Aldabbagh and Professor Wen-Chin Ouyang, Q&A, and signing. A reception in the Brunei Foyer will follow from 8:00 - 9:00 pm.

The occupation of Palestine attaches each Palestinian to an Israeli, as if in a tandem jump. The Israeli is always in control, placing the Palestinian under threat, in a never-ending hostage situation. Born in Jerusalem’s Old City, Steve Sabella found himself with two options: either surrender to this impossible reality, or unbuckle his harness and take a leap of faith.

Exploring love and loss, it traces one man’s arduous search for liberation from within, through a confrontation with his colonized imagination.

“For many years my life was held hostage by Israeli occupation, but in my dreams I was free. Once I learned how to change my own consciousness, my dreams became my reality. I was born under Israeli occupation but found a way to live free.”

Sabella’s memoir travels from the Old City to London, Dubai, and Berlin, interweaving reflections on art and life, and his pursuit of global citizenship. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed has already hailed The Parachute Paradox for handling, "an issue unprecedented in Palestinian literature.”

Steve Sabella (b. 1975) returns to London after his most recent solo exhibition there, Fragments at Berloni Gallery (2014). Sabella’s work is exhibited and held in collections around the world. He holds a BA in visual studies from the State University of New York, an MA in photographic studies at the University of Westminster and an MA in art business from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art. In 2008 he received the Ellen Auerbach Award from the Akademie der Künste in Berlin, which included the publishing of his monograph by Hatje Cantz, and spans his two decade career. Sabella has been based in Berlin since 2010. The first limited edition of The Parachute Paradox, Sabella’s memoir, was released in English by German art publisher Kerber Verlag in September 2016.