EXCAVATION
While researching the history of coexistence amongst Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Spain (711-1492 AD), I visited an unearthed, ancient mikvah (Jewish ritual bath, originally fed by a natural, live water source). I was struck by the practice of spiritual purification, both personal and collective. In turn, this inspired me to engage in a creative excavation.
Central to this exhibition is a symbolic, abstract mikvah that I designed using wood, encaustic, copper and sand. As I wanted to open up an artistic and intimate relationship with artists whose roots stem from the Middle East, I tapped into my lineage and engaged other artists whose origins were similar and also in conflict with my own.
Carving wood and sculpting with a torch, I created totemic forms that invoke the heritages of the people whom I have come to know. My imagery of Jewish and Arab ancestral totems, fallen apples, burnt steps and roots that carry an erotic current into human form, create an environment in which new and unexpected connections can be gleaned from decay.
While researching the history of coexistence amongst Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Spain (711-1492 AD), I visited an unearthed, ancient mikvah (Jewish ritual bath, originally fed by a natural, live water source). I was struck by the practice of spiritual purification, both personal and collective. In turn, this inspired me to engage in a creative excavation.
Central to this exhibition is a symbolic, abstract mikvah that I designed using wood, encaustic, copper and sand. As I wanted to open up an artistic and intimate relationship with artists whose roots stem from the Middle East, I tapped into my lineage and engaged other artists whose origins were similar and also in conflict with my own.
Carving wood and sculpting with a torch, I created totemic forms that invoke the heritages of the people whom I have come to know. My imagery of Jewish and Arab ancestral totems, fallen apples, burnt steps and roots that carry an erotic current into human form, create an environment in which new and unexpected connections can be gleaned from decay.
