The Guantánamo Artwork and Testimony of Moath Al-Alwi
Deaf Walls Speak
Deaf Walls Speak offers a compelling insider's perspective on the intersection of art and activism within the confines of Guantánamo, a place infamous as the world's foremost prison. The book provides poignant exploration of self-expression and protest, acting as a powerful assertion of fundamental human rights that have been systematically disregarded by legal and political systems. Through the lens of detainee artist Moath al-Alwi's testimony and artwork, the chapters underscore the profound significance of the right to be recognized as human, a right continually denied within the prison's walls.
This groundbreaking work weaves together al-Alwi's powerful artistic expressions with critical essays, by Binghamton faculty member Joshua O. Reno and others, that provide transdisciplinary perspectives on the legal, political, aesthetic, and material dimensions surrounding art creation in Guantánamo. The collection vividly illustrates how the artwork produced within these confines becomes a form of material witnessing, shedding light on the human rights abuses perpetrated and systematically denied by the U.S. government. Deaf Walls Speak stands as a testament to the enduring power of art in challenging and exposing systemic injustices.
Moore and Dawes, Technologies of Human Rights Representation
This interdisciplinary book delves into pressing questions across these fields. How can we unveil the complexities of technological advances to comprehend their impacts on our lives? What measures can be taken to ensure that these effects align with the principles of human rights? Moreover, how does the discourse surrounding technology and rights, found in documents ranging from military reports to human rights policies to poetry, shape our ability to comprehend and influence the unfolding future? Contributors from diverse disciplines, including anthropology, communications, law, and cultural studies, employ varied methodologies to address these vital questions.
Alexandra S. Moore, Professor of English and Co-Director of the Human Rights Institute, co-edits this work, with James Dawes, DeWitt Wallace Professor of English at Macalester College and an accomplished author in the realm of human rights. Binghamton faculty members David Cingranelli, Mikhail Filippov, and Elizabeth A. DiGangi further enriches the book's depth and breadth, showcasing a collaborative exploration of the intersection between technology, human rights, and representation.
