Ruth Patir postponed her video installation at the Israel pavilion amid conflicts. The art piece, titled “(M)otherland,” will now premiere in Tel Aviv.
The Jewish Museum in New York recently acquired a video installation by artist Ruth Patir, originally commissioned for the Venice Biennale. The installation, titled “(M)otherland,” was never displayed at the Biennale due to the artist and curators’ insistence on certain conditions related to the political situation in Israel. The museum announced that “(M)otherland” will premiere at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in March before traveling to New York for display.
The acquisition of “(M)otherland” by the Jewish Museum signifies a significant addition to its collection. The installation consists of five videos, with one addressing the Gaza war and offering a personal perspective on global tragedy. The other four videos feature ancient female figurines from the eastern Mediterranean, animated to depict Patir’s decision to freeze her eggs after discovering she carries the BRCA gene mutation. These figurines navigate Israeli fertility clinics, reflecting on the societal pressure for childbearing and the aggressive funding of fertility procedures in Israel.
In addition to the videos featuring the figurines, the exhibition includes a piece titled “Keening,” where the figurines, some of them shattered, participate in a public mourning display following a recent attack. The museum has not disclosed the acquisition cost of “(M)otherland,” but the significance and thematic depth of the installation make it a valuable addition to the museum’s collection.
The Jewish Museum’s decision to acquire and display “(M)otherland” underscores its commitment to showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art that addresses complex social and political issues. By bringing this installation to audiences in Tel Aviv and New York, the museum aims to stimulate conversations and reflections on topics such as fertility, genetic mutations, societal expectations, and the impact of conflict on personal and collective experiences.
As the Jewish Museum prepares to reinstall its collection galleries next year, the debut of “(M)otherland” will offer visitors a unique and immersive artistic experience that challenges conventional narratives and prompts deeper engagement with contemporary art and its relevance to contemporary society. The museum’s investment in acquiring and presenting this installation reflects its dedication to supporting artists who push boundaries and explore new ways of addressing pressing issues through their work.
Source: The NY Times
