From 27 June to 30 November 2008 the Jewish Historical
Museum presents the exhibition Art of the State with
photographs and video works by sixteen artists from Israel. Through
their works they reflect upon their country: the community in which
they live, the numerous cultural and religious differences among
Israel's population and the current political situation. Some
artists are critical while others give expression to their hopes
and dreams. The participating artists exhibit regularly in museums
and galleries around the world.
The exhibition coincides with the sixtieth anniversary of the
establishment of Israel. During its relatively short existence
Israel has been at the centre of events that have had a widespread
social impact: immigration by Jews from all around the world, wars
with its neighbouring countries and the ongoing tension between
Israelis and Palestinians. Israelis constantly give voice to their
views on the social and political situation in their country. Some
of these voices are to be heard in this exhibition, in which
artists give their personal visions of life in Israel through
photographs and video works. Some are probing and confrontational,
others are subtle and poetic.
Lifeguard Towers by Guy Raz (1964), for example, is a
series of photographs of the beaches in Tel Aviv and Gaza. In both
places the sand, sea, horizon and even the lifeguard towers are the
same, as indeed is the need to save lives. The works of Adi Nes
(1966) are poetic and occasionally inspired by biblical scenes. His
photograph Abraham & Isaac comments on social
inequality in Israel. Pavel Wolberg (1966) makes more journalistic
photographs such as those about the interaction between Israeli
soldiers and Palestinians.
Video art is represented by, among others, Yael Bartana (1970). Her
film A Declaration shows a man rowing towards a rock in
the sea, where he replaces the Israeli flag with an olive sapling
as a symbol of peace. Dana Levy (1973) contributes the beautiful
work entitled The Dreamers in which Israelis and
Palestinians tell us about their dreams. The participants are
children, youths, prisoners and poets - those who have an essential
and symbolic need for dreams.
Art of the State includes photographs and videos by Larry
Abramson, Boaz Arad, Barry Frydlender, Amit Goren, Nir Hod, Gaston
Zvi Ickowicz, Erez Israeli, Miki Kratsman, Sigalit Landau, Michal
Rovner and Doron Solomons. Several of the works were previously
shown at the Documenta in Kassel and the Venice Biennale.
For more information and/or images please contact the
Communications Department:
T: +31 (0)20 531 0370 F: +31 (0)20 531 0311 E: Communications
Department
The JHM is open daily from 11.00 to 17.00