Jumana Manna: Intersecting Art, Law, and Preservation
Jumana Manna is a multidisciplinary Palestinian visual artist whose work bridges the gap between aesthetic exploration and political inquiry. Born in 1987 in Princeton, New Jersey, Manna has navigated a global existence, living in Jerusalem, Oslo, and Berlin. Holding both U.S. and Israeli citizenship, her unique perspective informs a body of work that examines how systems of preservation—whether in science, law, or agriculture—impact human identity and cultural heritage.
Working across various mediums, Manna is primarily known for her installation art (three-dimensional works designed to transform a perception of a space) and cinematic films. Her work has been exhibited in some of the world's most prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Wexner Center for the Arts.
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Key Facts
- Born: 1987 in Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.
- Education: BA from Oslo National Academy of the Arts; MA in aesthetics and politics from California Institute of the Arts.
- Primary Mediums: Film and installation art.
- Core Themes: Preservation practices in agriculture, science, and law.
- Major Exhibitions: MoMA PS1, Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul.
Academic Foundation and Early Life
Manna's artistic approach is deeply rooted in her academic background. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. She further refined her conceptual framework by obtaining a Master of Arts in aesthetics and politics from the California Institute of the Arts. This intersection of art and political theory is evident in her career-long investigation into how institutional archives and legal declarations shape the reality of marginalized populations.
Major Works and Cinematic Explorations
Manna uses film as a tool to document the tension between official archives and lived experiences. Her work often focuses on the act of saving or preserving and who decides what is worth keeping.
A Magical Substance Flows Into Me (2015)
This film explores the efforts of Robert Lachmann to create an archive of "oriental music" in Jerusalem. The project examines the complexities of cultural preservation and the narratives created through archiving. The film was screened at the Museum of Modern Art in 2022.
Wild Relatives (2017)
In Wild Relatives, Manna shifts her focus to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. The film explores the vault's relationship with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), specifically focusing on seeds from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley stored against the backdrop of the Syrian Revolution.
Foragers (2022)
Featured in the Toronto Biennial of Art and later at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul (2024), Foragers investigates the legalities of nature. The film examines the impact on Palestinians after Israel declared za'atar and akkoub (native plants) as protected species, effectively criminalizing traditional foraging practices.
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Exhibitions and Public Installations
Beyond film, Manna creates immersive installations that challenge the viewer's perception of space and history.
- Thirty Plumbers in the Belly (2021): Displayed at the Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen.
- Break, Take, Erase, Tally (2022-2023): Manna's first major American museum exhibition, hosted at MoMA PS1 and subsequently displayed at the Wexner Center for the Arts.
In 2026, Manna's work became a point of public discourse regarding a commission from the Norwegian government. The project was part of the rebuilding of government quarters following the 2011 bombing; controversy arose when Manna intended to dedicate the artwork to the Palestinian struggle.
Summary of Career Highlights
| Year | Project/Exhibition | Key Focus/Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | A Magical Substance Flows Into Me | Oriental music archives in Jerusalem |
| 2017 | Wild Relatives | Svalbard Global Seed Vault & ICARDA |
| 2021 | Thirty Plumbers in the Belly | Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen |
| 2022 | Foragers | Toronto Biennial of Art / MMCA Seoul |
| 2022-23 | Break, Take, Erase, Tally | MoMA PS1 / Wexner Center for the Arts |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary themes in Jumana Manna's art?
Jumana Manna focuses on the effects of preservation practices within the realms of law, science, and agriculture, often exploring how these systems intersect with political struggle and cultural identity.
Which museums have exhibited Manna's work?
Her work has been featured at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), MoMA PS1, the Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul.
What is the subject of the film "Foragers"?
The film examines how the classification of za'atar and akkoub as protected species by Israel has impacted the lives and traditional practices of Palestinians.
Where did Jumana Manna receive her education?
She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts and a Master of Arts in aesthetics and politics from the California Institute of the Arts.
What is the significance of "Wild Relatives"?
The film explores the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and its role in preserving seeds from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, linking agricultural preservation to the context of the Syrian Revolution.