Atalia Katz "Voice of Ethiopia"
ZONE: CONTEMPORARY ART
This event has ended.
Ethiopia is home to historically important communities of Christians, Jews, and Muslims, preservers of ancient ceremonies and traditions within the complex patchwork of African cultures. Many of Katz’s images are steeped in an aura of Biblical antiquity. Dramatically lit rites have a Rembrantesque chiaroscuro. In one panoramic photograph, a procession of worshippers rims a man-made quarry that houses a subterranean church. The roof is a squared-off cross, an ancient Ethiopian symbol that represents the powerful intersection of heaven and earth. “Voice of Ethiopia” also documents the life of Ethiopian Jews, considered by many to be one of the lost tribes of Israel. The Beta Israel community includes 8,700 people now waiting in the city of Gondar to emigrate, joining the more than 120,000 Ethiopians already living in Israel. Katz’s photographs of the makeshift, metal-hut synagogues of the transit camps reveal vital centers of faith and social life. A grid of nine photographs spotlights the religious rituals and daily experience of this unique cultural enclave. A video on view in the gallery offers an opportunity to experience the dynamic music and dance of their ceremonies.
[Image: Atalia Katz "The Bridge" (2010) Chromogenic print]
Media
Schedule
from April 08, 2010 to April 30, 2010
Opening Reception on 2010-04-08 from 17:00 to 21:00