Precaution (Al-Ehteraz) is a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. An abrupt event that has dismantled the world’s immunity.
Precaution also results in restriction, control and compulsion. Its presence causes us to oscillate between our trusted understanding ot the old doctrines, contrasting with theories of contemporary thought. When mixed together, this action brings a new understanding of precautionary policy concerns – beginning with practices of mass internal monitoring and external tracking – leading us to investigate our accepted ideas of knowledge and memory. With these changes we call into question all of our actions and tribulation, setting a new course to self-morality.
Faraj Daham is a contemporary Qatari artist, best known for his mixed media works and sculptures. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Higher Institute of Theatre Arts in Kuwait in 1984, and his master’s degree in fine arts from Ball State University, in the United States in 1988.
Precaution and prudence take the form of different garments; a leather shield, silver metal chains or a leather veil attached to the neck or hand, containing a roll or a piece of paper that is difficult to decipher. Our modern translation of precaution in this time of pandemic takes the form of, mask, gloves, and other means of protection from a force we cannot see or understand.
