After an extremely successful first event, the members of Impact Collections met for the second time on a beautiful spring night of May. This rendezvous took place in Jaffa – one of the most unique areas in Tel Aviv, which is saturated with culture and history. As one walks around this area of the city, Jaffa’s distinctive sounds and smells are present in every corner; a reminder of what used to be here and perhaps even froze in time.
Photographer Credit: Albert Lalamaiev
Our evening began with drinks at Nirit Levav Packer’s gallery, situated inside Jaffa’s old city. The cave-like space that was built while the Ottomans ruled this area, featured numerous sculptures made by the owner of the gallery. Upon closer examination, it is evident that the industrial-looking artworks were all made with recycled materials. Cycle and re-cycle seem to be the topics at the center of Nirit’s work, since the current exhibition displays pregnant bodies, in a sense translating the most human experience to industrial material.
Photographer Credit: Albert Lalamaiev
Between Jaffa’s Historical Walls,
Impact Collections’ Second Event Creates Cosmic Energy
As the members look around, holding a glass of red or white wine from the MAIA Winery, they spend some time getting to know each other. Some have already met, while others only recently joined the Impact Collections family, as this community keeps growing. MAIA's wines definitely fit the occasion since the boutique winery regards its products as art. The brand initials are an acronym for the Mediterranean Approach Israeli Art. The MAIA team aims to craft wine that fits perfectly with Mediterranean food, scents, climate, and culture, and that is inspired by the ancient wines produced in the region.
Photographer Credit: Albert Lalamaiev
After some wine and conversation, the group continues to this evening’s main event – Maya Attoun’s solo exhibition at Magasin III. A short walk through the old city’s streets, and we are in front of the gallery’s large glass windows. It feels as if the artist intended for the exhibition to be viewed from the street – and Attoun will soon reveal that indeed she considered how the exhibition will be perceived by passersby.
Photographer Credit: Albert Lalamaiev
As we walk inside, we meet Attoun as well as Karmit Galili, Magasin III’s curator. Galili tells us about the space, a permanent satellite established by Magasin III Museum for Contemporary Art in Stockholm, Sweden. It was not by chance that Jaffa was selected as the location of the well-known museum’s satellite overseas. It is exactly the unique features of this place – its history and diverse community – that made the people of Magasin III select it. Galili also mentions that the gallery only exhibits site-specific exhibitions, and Attoun’s exhibition was no different. The artist considered the physical space – the tall ceilings, for instance – when she conceptualized her show.
Photographer Credit: Albert Lalamaiev
The exhibition, titled “Solar Mountains and Broken Hearts,” refers to a moment in the nineteenth century when modern monsters – such as Frankenstein – came to life. For Attoun, in this moment, the lines between the human and non-human began to blur. She selected drawing as the medium to address this. This might be evident when looking at the row of drawings placed on the wall – enlarged tarot cards, as the artist explains – yet the other elements in this show might not scream “drawing” to the average viewer.
Photographer Credit: Albert Lalamaiev
In moments like this, having the curator and artist show us around becomes a significant bonus. Attoun explains that the video featuring a basketball-looking moon-shaped object, as well as the large handmade solar panels, were all made using pencils, thus making them “drawings”. One can only imagine the hard labor that must have created these works of art.
Photographer Credit: Albert Lalamaiev
Galili explained that for Attoun, “Drawing isn’t merely a technical feat but rather a way of transmitting energy, which is why her four solar mountains can be seen as a solar panel converting human energy into art.” And indeed, the energy in the room was difficult to ignore, and was also transmitted to the spectators observing this mysterious, thought-provoking art. After some questions from the participants, the night comes to an end. The moon up above suddenly seemed like an artwork as well. So mysterious, full of unique energy. It is enough to keep us thinking until Impact Collections’ next event.
Photographer Credit: Albert Lalamaiev