mounir fatmi Morocco, b. 1970
Assassins, 2010
Hookas and base.
73 x 91 x 15 cm; Base: 150 x 130 x 20 cm.
Edition 3 of 5 plus 1 artist's proof
The power of words is undeniable. The flexibility of language never ceases to surprise. Its mutability bears witness to centuries of cross-cultural mixing, influences and evolution, as profound as that...
The power of words is undeniable. The flexibility of language never ceases to surprise. Its mutability bears witness to centuries of cross-cultural mixing, influences and evolution, as profound as that of mankind.
According to the French dictionary of etymology (PUF 6th edition, 1975), the word Assassin first appeared in 1560. With links to Italian and Arabic culture, where it's origins likely began, Assassin, (also the same in English), is described as stemming from the Arabic word Hachichiya, which is derivedfrom the word, Hashish. This interesting interpretation opens the door to a number of questions and leads one down a unique path to discover whether there is truth to this phonetic explanation.
According to the French dictionary of etymology (PUF 6th edition, 1975), the word Assassin first appeared in 1560. With links to Italian and Arabic culture, where it's origins likely began, Assassin, (also the same in English), is described as stemming from the Arabic word Hachichiya, which is derivedfrom the word, Hashish. This interesting interpretation opens the door to a number of questions and leads one down a unique path to discover whether there is truth to this phonetic explanation.