The last two weeks have been intense for the multidisciplinary artist Ronen Shaharbani, who is currently working on the construction of the installation "Seven Days a Week" as part of the reopening of the "Zumo" project.
That the rabbi chose to work on a wall in one of the residential complexes on Hasmonean Street in Lod, the street where the violent events took place in May during Operation Wall Guard.
The same wall blocks and separates the outside from the inside.
Photo: Ronen Shaharbani
The project was supposed to be implemented long before, but the plans were canceled in light of the violent riots in Lod and other mixed cities in the country in the midst of the military operation.
"When the violence exploded inside us, the belief in the power of art to influence was undermined. Everything seems pretentious when you understand that art is a barren tool," says the rabbi.
"I wanted to take part in 'Zumo' to create a dialogue that would contribute to the education and strengthening of the city, but when disturbances broke out I realized it was life threatening."
During the week, the art exhibition "Zoom the Threshold" will be held in Lod, curated by Milena Gitzin Aviram.
20 works of art will be placed on the thresholds of houses, courtyards, and buildings on the Hasmonean axis, the street where the violent events took place in May.
At the launch: neighbors' parties, art workshops for the whole family and tours between the works.
Breaking down the walls, Photo: Tomer Fruchter
When the artist was again invited to the project, he worked to erect the installation and restore the wall.
"After repairing the broken wall at the entrance to one of the buildings on Hasmonean Street, I painted an architectural painting with plaster that matched a child's point of view. I worked in working clothes, I mixed the plaster myself.
"I do not ignore the terrible things that happened in the riots, but I felt safe in their company and heard about their situation. For example, about one of the Arab neighbors who was fired from his job because he was afraid to leave the house in the riots."
Ronen Shaharbani, Photo: Tomer Fruchter
Does your work contribute to the residents?
"The art exposes the residents to aesthetic values, raises questions and evokes dialogue, and I hope it will have an echo and a sequel."
"Threshold Zoom" -
art to the doorstep
25-28 August 2021
The Hasmonean Axis, Lod