Zohar
My body of work deals with the question 'what is home?'. The main goal is to tell a story that covers elements of identity. Home is a universal concept that evokes a range of emotions and memories. It can be a physical location, language, or connection to a community. The motif of photographs and symbols was used. Each piece has a strong connection to me and my identity through different aspects.
I started looking at the theme of home as a part of me is still involved in my home country, and I miss the place and the sense of 'home'. Therefore, the process of developing the exhibition was highly emotional for me. The theme was first established when I created ARAVA, which is much influenced by the natural appearance of my own country. Then the idea of KETZ - the plates that symbolize 'home'.
I used a number of techniques and materials to expand the sense of variety. The way I see it, photographs are an efficient way to depict memories which is another aspect that I wanted to combine. I incorporate photographs using a variety of techniques including printing, transferring, collaging, and painting. I have been transferring using different techniques: Acetone and glue-based. A blurred, faded, quality was desired. I had to experiment transferring with different surfaces such as wood, canvas, and paper. Textiles, ceramics, elements of interior home design, and wood (both new and used) are also included. I experimented with both 2 and 3-dimensional formats. Primarily 2D. The colors Ocher and Blue are associated with my home country. Ocher is the desert and soil and Blue is the atmosphere.
All pieces are placed in a linear space that is split into two areas. The table installation serves as the exhibition's central focus. Around that, I placed all the other pieces. The table is set up so the viewer can access two points of view. The dinner table is set with other elements of home. I continued the arrangement on the wall against the table with some other plates to open up the space. ARAVA is located in the middle against the wall so its light can be seen on the wall and create a look of aura. By adding yellowish, warm light I was able to achieve comfort and a safe sense of the space. A sight to the Mediterranean is placed at the entrance of the space just like a door at the entrance of a house. In addition, the door creates an intersection between the two parts of my exhibition. On the second part of the space, a three meter painting - Yamit is placed from the ceiling to expand the space. The pieces that depict the human body's outline such as Aura, ECHO, and Malabar St. are displayed further apart. All photographic pieces are also set back to create balance among the various kinds of artworks.
Frida Kahlo is the key artist that influenced me in terms of theme and concept. In an aesthetic matter, I was influenced mainly by Ken Eastman, Sigmar Polke, and Mark Rothko. I used the Sigmar Polke approach of collaging, layering, and transferring different materials. I was inspired by Mark Rothko to use highly effective blending to make pieces that appear "old" and "ancient." I was inspired by Ken Eastman to make sculptures that are heavily influenced by movement and the natural world.
A warm and intimate atmosphere is one of the goals I intend to achieve in terms of the audience's experience. I conveyed a sense of belonging to the audience while also including political statements and nostalgia that create a connection towards certain artwork aspects. The use of actual home decor items and daily objects allows me to build a connection and identification with a wider spectrum of audiences. Each work invites the viewer to reflect on their own experiences and associations with the concept of home. The body of art portrays a melancholy sense through memorizing old-looking photographs as well as personal messages. I intended to appeal not only to people who know my culture or my country, but I also wanted to make anyone feel the warm environment when entering the space.
Yamit (November 2022)
Acrylic paint and transferred photograph on canvas
300 X 68 cm
Yamit is inspired by the idea of home, it is the representation of the past tensions between Israel and Egypt. The idea came from a real story that happened in Israel when an area on the coast was occupied, therefore an entire settlement and their people were evacuated from their houses.
Yamit is influenced by the superimposed and photographic quality imagery in Sigma Polka’s work. He believed that the truth is more layered than we realised. A contrasting image was layered on the painting.
