Noel Jabbour

Noel Jabbour’s photographs from the series Vacant Seats portray families in their homes, gathered around photographs and other reminders of their murdered loved ones. Natural light suffuses these photographs with a metaphysical quality. The edges disappear into diffuse light. These people occupy real, albeit undefined, space, likewise without clear borders. Otherwise, the photographs display a minimum of framing, staging, and premeditated composition. A more obvious point is gently made– these families grieve their losses. They are still grieving. The occupation that claimed these lives is still busy claiming others.

Noel Jabbour
Born 1970 in Nazareth, Israel
Studied at Hadasah College, Jerusalem
(Department of Photography / Diploma)
Postgraduate studies at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Jerusalem
lives and works in Berlin and Nazareth

Noel Jabbour, “Al-Azzami Family”, Beit Lahya, Gaza, 2000, from the series: Vacant Seats, C-print, 50 1/2″ x 40″

Noel Jabbour, “Danun Family”, Beit Sahur, 2001, from the series Vacant Seats
C-print, 50 1/2″ x 40″