Samah Shihadi  and Michael Halak | Idris Gallery, Tel Aviv

Movement and transition, are examined from different perspectives and interpreted in diverse manners. Samah Shihadi, is concerned with physical movement involved in dance, and though it expresses her views and feelings as she attempts to liberate herself from a traditional and patriarchal society. Dance is often perceived as an act which frees the soul and body from all restrictions. However, she discovered that this escape is a false extension that creates an illusory world, a trap, which only exists so long as she is involved in the artistic process. In contrast, Michael Halak, has for years been discussing issues of transition, memory and relations between man and place. Halak, a Christian Palestinian living in Israel, views himself as a modern nomad constantly moving from place to place. His study of this migration captures him in a metaphorical sense, to a torn state of uncertainty and lack of belonging. What is supposed to be a momentary state turns into a permanent state of affairs in life, which leads one to wonder about social, political and personal aspects.

Full exhibition text: English

Exhibition review in the press