The Art Newspaper

Politically sensitive art to be exhibited at sea

Ex-Territory shows works by Arab and Israeli artists in neutral waters outside Tel Aviv

By Charmaine Picard | Web only
Published online 1 Sep 09 (News)

Sharon Zargari, Dear Hunter, 2003-08, showing on the Ex-Territory boat

New york. A two-year initiative called Ex-Territory is being launched on 7 September in the extra-territorial waters outside of Tel Aviv. Using a privately donated vessel, organisers are screening a selection of Arab and Israeli videos projected onto its sails in politically neutral waters that are free from border disputes and territorial conflict.

According to Maayan Amir, one of four Israeli founders of the Ex-Territory group, “Arab artists will not exhibit art in Israel because of the political situation. We are trying to find a solution to this problem by meeting in extra-territorial waters, and offering a non-historical space for dialogue.” The group plans to travel throughout the Mediterranean to provide artists, filmmakers and writers with an independent floating platform for cultural exchange. Amir added: “We want this project to develop as an international group and we are looking for curators, art critics and artists to participate in our project.”

A handful of Arab artists have agreed to exhibit their work during the September launch, which is being financed by the Tel Aviv International Art Biennial (Art TLV), held throughout Tel Aviv from 10-26 September. The Ex-Territory organisers are currently in the process of raising additional private funding for the expedition.

The initial video programme includes works by Israeli artists Keren Cytter, Sharon Zargari and Shay-Lee Uziel. However, organisers declined to provide the names of exhibiting Palestinian artists, as well as those from other Arab origin countries. Amir told The Art Newspaper: “Naming them could create unwanted problems for the artists. Unfortunately this is a sensitive situation.”

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