This body of work is based on a photo series I made for and about my grandmother. Sabta is a Hebrew word that means "grandmother.". My grandmother, Sabta, wasn't the ideal grandmother. She wasn't a legendary cook or a teller of old tales. She didn't offer us any wise advice. She did, however, insist on me photographing her, creating the scene, and directing the entire photo shoot. As I shot, she posed and described to me her daily routine, a collection of trivial acts that she proudly called her life. She overacted and was beautifully artificial… But for the first time, I felt a connection with her. Between the clicks, we discovered each other. Shortly thereafter, my Sabta passed away, and those photos became her legacy. Creating the series was a cathartic experience. I was compelled to replicate and extend those moments, I wanted to render the map of her face, to reuse her belongings, and learn how to knit. The works that developed from my photo session with Sabta are a combination of black and white acrylic painted real scale portraits, knitting, and incorporated objects from her past. This was my Sabta.
Sabta
Acrylic on plywood and knitted yarn
64"x 25", 2005-2007
Now I am cooking
Acrylic on plywood, knitted yarnand mixed media installation
31.5"x 44"x 20", 2005-2007
Now I am going to the grocery
Acrylic on plywood, knitted yarnand mixed media installation
64"x 41"x 25", 2005-2007
Now I am laying on the couch
Acrylic on plywood, knitted yarnand mixed media installation
54"x 48"x 5", 2005-2007
Now I am going out
Acrylic on plywood, knitted yarnand mixed media installation
24.5"x 36.5"x 2", 2005-2007
I have an idea
Acrylic on plywood, knitted yarnand mixed media installation
36"x 30"x 1.5", 2005-2007