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.
