Settlement

For the past two years I have been traveling and photographing in the West Bank in the areas of Israeli settlements—where I have been documenting what is taking place. In unspoiled, virgin areas that have barely been touched, settlements have been established for a handful of people. In order to reach these territories, a network of roads has been built. The settlers do not fully reside in those places. They erect their homes in front of Arab villages while continuing to conduct their daily lives within Israel.

Through my photography, I try to visually express the misleading reality that exists in that place. The area of contention is marked by breath-taking landscape. The caravans, work implements, as well as other structures are not presented in it as monuments but as mere "touches" that are integrated into the scenery.

The photographs do not offer a glance into the lives of the Arabs living in the area or of their villages. The photographs put an emphasis on documenting the Israeli side—the settlements. This choice does not ignore the Arab residents whom I perceive as obvious and integral to the area. The portraits relate to the simple, human Israeli side which exists in that place as an alien entity.

 

Monument

For the past year I have found myself wandering and photographing in the West Bank, in the undefined area where Jewish homes meet Palestinian homes. In these areas, since the second intifada (October 2000), the State of Israel has constructed blocks of concrete, to secure its people against gunfire and/or terrorist entry. These concrete blocks are, in principle temporary, and are sometimes removed or taken to other areas as needed, leaving behind a block or two, or an incomplete row. Temporary or otherwise, the blocks have, with time, become walls between Israelis and Palestinians.

The walls of concrete that reach sometimes seven meters in height, stand as monuments in the scenery, irrevocably altering and at the same time redefining it. The clean lines of concrete, modern, grey, decorated, and huge, are impressive. Sections of the wall are decorated with naïve pictures, other sections complete scenery that the wall itself hides, in an attempt to create some continuity. These pictures appear only on the Israeli side of the walls, on the other side the concrete remains unadorned. But however they are integrated into the landscape the walls are alien. These walls, constructed to protect the Israeli population, ultimately imprison both sides.

Technical Details:
The work is photographed in 6x6 format with colour negatives.