The exhibition 'Taking in the View' at Ticho House offers a fresh perspective on the work of Anna Ticho, a renowned painter known for her romanticized depictions of Jerusalem's landscapes. Curated by Gilad Reich and Timna Seligman, the show brings together contemporary art and Ticho's legacy, challenging traditional notions of her work.
The exhibition features five contemporary artists who engage with Ticho's core aesthetics and expand upon her themes. By incorporating diverse artistic mediums, including photography and digital manipulation, the artists offer a unique interpretation of Ticho's natural surroundings. This approach not only broadens the appeal of Ticho's work but also invites younger audiences to explore her artistic vision.
One of the standout pieces is 'Perspeciuum' by Raphael Y. Herman, a Beersheba-born, Paris-based artist. Herman's work challenges the boundaries of photography by capturing long-exposure shots in complete darkness. He sets up his camera in nature, often near the Gaza border, and leaves the shutter open for an entire night, capturing the light pollution in the air. This technique produces striking images that require viewers to focus and decipher the details, creating a captivating experience.
The exhibition also showcases Ticho's own photographs, a surprising discovery for many. These snapshots, taken in the 1970s, reveal a different side of her artistic process. Reich notes the contrast between Ticho's romantic paintings and her conceptual-like photographs, which offer a unique perspective on her surroundings.
Noa Ben-Nun Melamed's contributions further challenge traditional notions of Ticho's work. By using digital intervention in her photographs, Ben-Nun Melamed blurs the lines between reality and imagination, making it difficult to discern the original landscape. This approach raises questions about the nature of art and its ability to challenge our perceptions.
Ora Lev's work, inspired by Ticho's watercolor techniques, employs a photogram camera-less process. By using glass plates and light-sensitive backdrops, Lev creates captivating silhouettes of flowers and vegetation, offering a unique take on Ticho's romanticized landscapes. This technique, reminiscent of research methods, adds depth to the exhibition's deconstructive ethos.
Dorian Gottlieb's video work, 'If You Loved Me and If', takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the old train route to Jerusalem. The film captures the landscape as it moves towards and away from the viewer, mirroring Ticho's watercolor techniques. Gottlieb's work adds a layer of nostalgia and emotional connection to the exhibition.
The exhibition 'Taking in the View' is a thought-provoking exploration of Ticho's legacy, challenging traditional interpretations of her work. By incorporating contemporary art and diverse artistic mediums, the show offers a fresh perspective on Jerusalem's landscapes, inviting viewers to question their perceptions and embrace new artistic interpretations.
