Ofakim (Public Domain Series)

The series of works documents the tactile surface of bomb shelters implanted like alien corn in the public space, most of which located in the periphery of Israel, from Kiryat Shmona in the north, to Ofakim in the south.

Through research, scouring, detection and photography I have comprised a typological body of works featuring shelters whose presence is emphasized and accentuated. At first glance the shelters appearance is surprising and illusive, imbued with values different than the primary function they for which were designated.

The series points to the manner in which civilian elements wish to conceal the traces of militarism present in everyday reality in Israel. The result is surreal structures, expropriated from their defensive function, and attempting to appear “environment-friendly”. The vibrant colors, childish imagery and naïve wall paintings, trying to give them a different image than the one for which they were constructed, like Alice in Wonder Land of sorts. Reading into them reflects collective and cognitive frame of mind and consciousness, and their topological gathering allows the construction of a visual text, pointing to the complex systemic power relations and to cultural mental patterns imprinted in Israeli society.