The Spark Exhibition
I’m excited to finally share this dream project with you, and I still can’t believe I had the opportunity and the privilege to take part in Ya’ara Zacks’ exhibition, “The Spark”. I’d like to start with the first time I heard the name “Ya’ara Zacks” .I had heard of this art project that was to take place in a building meant for demolition, it was to be Ya’ara’s first pop up exhibition and the whole thing was over after a few days. I went to it with a good friend, totally spontaneously. Entrance was free, I think we had to register in advance, though I’m not sure registration was necessary. I remember being astounded by the line at the entrance, it went around the corner and was a 40-minute wait. I knew I was about to see something special, I remember being excited about the idea of this kind of exhibition, something about making use of a building meant for demolition for a temporary, one-time artistic purpose, felt innovative, crazy, underground. After a few days the exhibition closed and the building was, indeed, demolished. There was something exciting about passing by the area and feeling part of a secret club, I know what was once here and is no longer. I got to see all those works, most of which completely depended on the space, becoming the space, becoming part of what the place was. Last year I sent in a proposal for Ya’ara’s Work Off Art exhibition and didn’t get in. I was bummed but I knew competition was stiff. So, when I saw there was another open call this year, for “The Spark”, and that it would be Ya’ara’s last exhibition in Israel (at least for now), I was very motivated. I knew I wanted to try again, and send in a proposal for a design (an art installation). The concept was a perfect fit for me and the idea for the design came with zero effort. The text was obvious to me. And this time I got in! I was on cloud nine! I was so excited with the opportunity I was given but there was no time to celebrate, time was short and work was plentiful, it was GO TIME!
We were invited to come and see the space. We took measurements and I immediately launched into a month of hard work, sketching, cutting, pasting, painting, electric work, lighting tests and sooo much patience. As an artist my job is to plan something in my head and try to translate it into reality. To turn something conceptual into material, physical reality. And though it’s nothing new, that moment when something that was an idea in my head become something real never gets old! I am always amazed and touched by our ability as humans to take an imaginary idea and execute it in a way that other people can see it and feel the same feelings we were hoping to convey. It was a lot of hard work and hurdles to jump but I have to admit I enjoyed every second. Ya’ara supervised the creative process giving us a lot of freedom but also the feeling that we are not alone and I was happy when she’d check in every once in a while to make sure we’re on the same page and that the original idea is still being properly executed and clearly conveyed. In general, though, I felt like I had a lot of artistic freedom, I felt that I was being treated with respect, and my abilities as an artist were taken seriously, it was truly lovely and at the same time not at all taken for granted, as Ya’ara and I didn’t have any personal history and I’d never worked on one of her exhibitions before, unlike many of the other artists I met working there. Her ability to trust me based on feeling and my portfolio gave me the kind of breathing room that can’t be taken for granted in the art world.
Since I mentioned the other artists I got to know, I have to tell you that I have never worked on a project surrounded by so many talented, kind, good people, who come from so many different worlds, different work techniques, different geographics locations, so much knowledge to share. Being engulfed in all that talent and inspiration made me happy and any time I felt tunnel visioned or frustrated, I’d go for a walk and get to know my neighbors, and by the time we were half way through the conversation I’d be full of motivation to keep going. In a lot of ways the exhibition was “The Spark” that we, the artists working on it, dearly needed. The process itself was a spark of inspiration and hope. I’d like to give a shout out to those with whom I spent long hours and entire days –May, an amazing artist and (I hope for the future) a good friend, who does beautiful, colorful graphic work with techniques I dream of learning! Kobi, a talented artist and wonderful person who worked with such sensitivity and precision on his space, which came out poetic, powerful and touching, communicating so clearly the light in the depth of material that comes out through the fracture, the power within that’s hidden under the surface. This work felt like poetry to me. I am so happy to meet you! The amazing Olga and Oleg whose interactive creation got so much praise from everyone at opening, everyone all had a blast coloring in your work. And personally I think it’s such a smart and intellectual work, connected so organically with the idea of “The Spark” and the question “what gives us inspiration in times of crisis?”, I was surprised I didn’t think of it myself. And on a more personal level they’re such a charming, talented couple. Oleg did a quick sketch of yours truly which I will show off in the photos here but will soon be hanging in my house. I am so happy I got to meet you!
You all made the process so fun and interesting! I would also like to thank my father who helped out, working long days on the electric components and being the best company I could possibly ask for. It was such a wonderful opportunity to work together, albeit very intensive work, and I felt our friendship make it so fun, and adding to it the knowledge you gave me and the capabilities I picked up from the experience, I can’t thank you enough!!! I always learn so much from you! I also want to thank my sister Gal, my boyfriend Tom, my mother, and Sagi, who sat and helped me black out windows, a huge, repetitive and hard job and I am so grateful to you all for your help and your love!
I just can’t believe that that’s it, this crazy creative experience is behind me, and now it’s your turn to come and be inspired by this amazing exhibition!!! I am including a link for tickets here and I am so excited to hear from you! Please tag me @Sapatyle_blog on Instagram and share your experience of my work “BIG CITY LIGHT”. and if you’d like to read more about my art installation here’s an article I wrote specifically about my concept and process. As always excited to hear from you!! so write to me on social media!
-Sapir-
