What it is about
“Album Darom: Israeli Photographers in Tribute to the People of the Western Negev,” is a profound artistic project currently exhibited at the Petah Tikva Museum of Art. This exhibition is the first of its kind in Israel, shedding light on the immense tragedy of Hamas’s October 7 massacre and the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Why it matters
This exhibition is vital in documenting and processing the traumatic events witnessed by Israelis, especially those in the Western Negev region. It serves as a collective endeavor to memorialize the resilience and suffering endured by the inhabitants near the Gaza border.
The Details
Initiated by Prof. Dana Arieli, the dean of the Faculty of Design at the Holon Institute of Technology, and chief curator Irena Gordon, the project features diverse artistic mediums including photographs, video works, and installations. The exhibition showcases the work of 107 photographers and artists, varying from globally renowned figures to local amateurs, including the late Lavi Lipshitz, who tragically lost his life fighting for Israel.
Context and Testimonies
Attendees of the exhibition will confront evocative and raw visuals such as Batya Holin’s photo of exhausted IDF soldiers and Avishag Shaar-Yashuv’s haunting image titled “Funeral of Five Members of the Kutz Family.” The artwork captures personal and communal grief, putting a spotlight on the devastating human cost of conflicts endured by Israel.
Art as Catharsis
Prof. Dana Arieli and curator Irena Gordon emphasize that the exhibition is intended as a “safe space” and “place for healing.” It was designed to provide a cathartic message and helps Israelis cope with memories similar to Arieli’s friend, Gideon Pauker, a Kibbutz member who was murdered by terrorists.
A Symbolic Venue
The Petah Tikva Museum of Art, once Tel Aviv’s Yad Lebanim Memorial for fallen IDF soldiers, offers an all-inclusive venue that resonates deeply across Israeli society, especially in light of the historic and continuous sacrifices made to ensure the nation’s security.
Project Intent
Reflecting on events like the Kishinev Pogrom and Hebron Massacre, “Album Darom” encourages visitors to contemplate the ongoing struggle and resilience of Israel, reinforcing that the solidarity and remembrance embedded in such exhibitions play a profound role in national healing and unity.
Closing Thoughts
The “Album Darom” exhibition underlines Israel’s continuous efforts to remember and process the harrowing experiences faced by its citizens, anyway staying firm in its fight for peace and safety. The collective memory and resilience displayed at this exhibition assure that Israel’s spirit remains indomitable.
This story was first published on jpost.com.