In the realm of contemporary art, the exhibition 'Taking in the View' at Ticho House offers a captivating exploration of Jerusalem through the lens of five contemporary artists. Curated by Gilad Reich and Ticho House senior curator Timna Seligman, this exhibition presents a unique interplay between Anna Ticho's beloved body of work and the perspectives of modern artists. The exhibition aims to bridge the gap between Ticho's romanticized portrayal of nature and the evolving artistic vision of the 21st century.
One of the standout pieces is 'Perspeciuum' by Raphael Y. Herman, a Beersheba-born Paris-based artist. Herman's work challenges traditional photography by capturing images in complete darkness, using long exposure techniques. He sets up his camera in nature, often near the Gaza border, and leaves the shutter open for an entire night. This method results in captivating images that reveal themselves gradually, as the viewer's eyes adjust to the low light. Reich describes it as a 'very special technique' that forces one to decipher the finer details, creating a unique and immersive experience.
The exhibition also showcases the contrasting approaches of Ticho and Herman. While Ticho's paintings exude a romantic style, her photographs from the 1970s resemble conceptual art. Reich highlights the contradiction between her artistic mediums, noting that her paintings are romantic, yet her photographs are more avant-garde. This dichotomy adds depth to the exhibition, inviting viewers to explore different interpretations of the same subject.
Noa Ben-Nun Melamed's contribution to the exhibition is another fascinating departure from Ticho's style. Melamed's works are a fusion of technology and art, making it challenging to discern the original landscape. By introducing digital intervention, she blurs the lines between reality and imagination, raising questions about the nature of perception. This technological twist adds a layer of complexity to the exhibition, showcasing the evolving relationship between art and technology.
Ora Lev's 'The Way It Was' series offers a unique take on the exhibition's deconstructive theme. Lev employs a photogram camera-less process, using glass plates and light-sensitive backdrops to create captivating silhouettes of flowers and vegetation. This technique, reminiscent of a research method, inverts the actual colors of the subject, providing a distilled and surreal rendition. It highlights the relationship between corporeal reality and artistic expression, adding a layer of depth to the exhibition.
The exhibition also pays homage to the nostalgia of the past with Dorian Gottlieb's 'If You Loved Me and If' video work. Gottlieb's film captures the train route to Jerusalem, with the landscape moving across the screen, mirroring Ticho's own experiences. This nostalgic element adds a sense of familiarity and emotional connection to the exhibition, allowing viewers to reflect on the evolution of art and perception.
In conclusion, 'Taking in the View' at Ticho House is a thought-provoking exhibition that challenges traditional artistic boundaries. By presenting a diverse range of contemporary art, it invites viewers to explore new perspectives on Jerusalem and the natural world. The exhibition's ability to bridge the gap between past and present artistic visions makes it a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in the evolving relationship between art, nature, and perception.
