The exhibition "Negev Time" by Ariel Ram Pasternak will be inaugurated on September 5th at the Rosenfeld Gallery in Tel Aviv. This unique event brings together 36 carefully selected works, in which Ariel unveils a Bedouin society that few people know, far removed from the clichés endlessly perpetuated by the media. "There is a lot of talent in the Bedouin community, and nobody knows about it," laments Ariel. The exhibition explores various aspects of Bedouin life: from the customs they maintain to the challenges they face, and their daily life. Photographs, paintings, and authentic ceramics created by Bedouin artists, most of whom are women, immerse the visitor in the world of a Negev community that straddles tradition and modernity.
A Fresh Perspective on Bedouin Society Battling Its Image
Ariel Ram Pasternak has lived in Beersheva for 20 years. He is the father of two daughters and has been working for the past two years with the 'Stars of the Desert' organization, which promotes youth leadership within Bedouin society. His exhibition is an initiative of the "Star Accelerator" program of Stars of the Desert, in cooperation with the artistic training program at the Kay Academic College of Education in Beer Sheva. Artists Rana Alwadat, Eiman Abu Ghanm, Alaa Abo Alion, Hoda Alamrane, Hazar Abu Hani, Waleed Alobra, Zenab Garbia, Yusef Huzaiel, and Zamir Shatz are showcasing their works, addressing various themes to present the Bedouin community.
"We thought this project could be relevant because it brings Bedouin society closer to the rest of Israeli society. Often, people listen to the news and what is said about the Bedouins, and most don't seek to understand who they really are. Bedouin society is much deeper and richer than believed; many simply wish to emancipate themselves. Our goal is to restore their image and show all the beauty of this community that the average person doesn't get the chance to grasp," Ariel told Itonnews.
Among the highlights are Bedouin marriage traditions, which are very different from modern Jewish or Arab weddings, including horse races, guests on camels, sitting on the ground in tents, separate men’s and women’s ceremonies in the desert, and men’s dances. The traditional attire of the guests contrasts with others dressed in modern clothes. "They like to dress in black or with brands," says Ariel.
An Evolving Society
Ambivalence accompanies the viewer throughout the exhibition, reflecting the Bedouins' situation—caught between preserving traditions and desiring modernity. "The condition of women is improving, and more young people are pursuing education and obtaining high-ranking positions," states Ariel.
The exhibition also depicts the destruction of precarious Bedouin homes in unrecognized villages, with armed police present among children and women. This harsh presence contrasts with the innocence in the frightened eyes of the children.
"It is shocking to see police arriving with so many weapons for home demolitions; I have never heard of riots at these times. For about six months, it’s no longer just one or two houses being demolished; entire neighborhoods are being razed. It’s a very sensitive issue. They receive warnings to demolish their own homes before the army arrives, but some prefer to wait and quickly find themselves without shelter, with no one caring about their fate. There are about 300,000 Bedouins in the Negev, and one-third live in unrecognized villages," explains Ariel.
Some works feature children, shepherds among their flocks, or portraits of women, offering a very sincere view of Israeli Bedouin society, which is geographically close to Israeli Jews but has a vastly different lifestyle. Certain photographs also address the planet’s future with an environmental perspective, including a stranded siren on the beach or a girl amidst a pile of tires.
Zenab Garbia from Segev Shalom presents her photos and stitched ceramics—a unique concept of embroidery on plates. "She is the only one doing this kind of art in Israel; it is traditional Bedouin art," says Ariel.
"If people understand the Bedouin way of life through this exhibition, we will have achieved everything. We also wanted to highlight the consequences of what is happening in the country, especially when homes are destroyed. If this can generate compassion, curiosity, and openness towards others, then the bet is won," Ariel concluded.
Ariel hopes that this exhibition will not only broaden the public’s understanding of the Bedouin world but also help promote the artists and enable them to succeed in the field, with the potential to sell their works and eventually hold their own exhibitions.
The opening will take place on 5/09 at 19:00. The exhibition can be viewed till 14/09 at the Rosenfeld Gallery, 1 Hamifal Street, Tel Aviv.
Caroline Haïat
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