This series explores the dichotomy between the collective and individual identities, between the need to belong, and the will to be different and special. The work stems from being born and raised in a kibbutz, a communal society in which the Kvutza (age group) was an all-around unit sharing quarters, clothes, toys, and everyday life activities. The intensive nature of this upbringing created a strong connection and dependence between the children that magnified the identity conflict. This struggle is inherent to the human condition. The nature of the self is dualistic. The private self encompasses our unique traits, beliefs, and skills. The collective self includes all the qualities that spring from our membership in social groups. People define themselves in terms of the function and position they occupy in these groups and get from them the legitimacy to their being.

The work takes the form of an installation. It pairs acrylic painted self-portraits representing me in diverse time periods with corresponding original video footage, establishing a multi-level dialogue of material and light, intimate and public, static and dynamic, subjective and objective. The work shows both sides of the same coin and lets the viewer find his own identity in it.

Age 2
Slide projection, acrylic and goggles on plywood
40"x 60", 2003-2005

Age 3
Video projection, acrylic and camera on plywood
14"x 18", 2002-2004

Age 4
Video projection, acrylic and matches on plywood
33"x 25", 2003-2005

Age 8
TV screening, acrylic and mixed media on plywood
sizevariable, 2003-2005

Age 10
7" video screening, acrylic and mixed media on plywood
19"x 24", 2005

Age 11
Video projection and acrylic on plywood
14"x 36", 2002-2004

Age 11
Framed video projections and acrylic on plywood
variable size, 2003-2005

Age 12
Video projection, acrylic and charcoal on plywood
32"x 96", 2002-2005

Age 17
Video projection, acrylic, waxed mirror and mixed media on plywood
27"x 21", 2004-2005

Age 20
Flat screen TV screening, acrylic and gold leafs on plywood
14"x 18"x 6", 2003-2005

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Expanded Women