Shwan Dler Qaradaki

The sun tattooed MPEG files, 3'34'', 2009 Norway/Kurdistan-Iraq

Tell me something about you and artistic background.
I'm was born (1977) in the iraqi Kurdistan in a city called Sulaimani. I have a 5-year degree from the Sulaimani Institute of Fine Art. I came to Norway as a political immigrant in december 1999, and finished my Master degree in 2009 at the Kunsthøgskolen i Oslo. I'm a mixed-media artist, and the driving force of my projects are not media specific. I use the medium that I think it's relevant for the content of the work, and it can be drawing, painting, photo, installation and video.

Tell me about this film, initial idea and work process
The title of the film refers to a tattooed sun my mother had in her chin. This is to underline that she and her sun were the light of my life. The subject-matter of the film is also about being a role model for a child in a multicultural world. Especially for refugee children and children from a minority background who have experienced the war and traumatic events in their life. The intention is to encourage these children not to give up, and to reach for their dreams and ambitions no matter the obstacles. I use my life as a starting point both as an immigrant and as an artist. Through my life I experienced war and difficulties, but I have followed my dreams nevertheless and reached for many of the things I dreamt of. This is very clear in The Sun Tattooed.

Are you working on new projects at the moment?
Yes, I just finished the first part of a film trilogy titled Salte Kyss I. This film had premiere at a solo exhibition at the Oslo Museum - Galleri IKM February 4rd. Each film have 25 to 30 minutes duration. The project gives an understanding of the problematics that arise in a multicultural world. It enlightens my doubt, fear, but also my passion for a life in freedom and democracy. The exhibition lasts til March 21st. This exhibition is a collaboration with the performance artist Kate Pendry.

Do you have specific influences in your film/video making?
Yes, even though most of my projects use my own life as a starting point, I express an universal problematic.  
 
Why is it important for you to show your film/video in a festival?
Yes it is important for me to show this film in the festival. My work relates to the politics of immigration in Norway, and what consequences this has for immigrants' self-image and identity. My wish is to bring new thoughts and points of view into discussion, in relation and opposition to political discourse and in connection to the popular culture surroundings.

What role do you think Oslo Screen Festival should have to promote your work?
I think the festival should organize seminars, invite involved artists and start discussions related to film. These discussions should be available for the audience in form of video and articles on the internet.