Scorched picture frame and Hamsa amulet, surgical sutures, paper, leather, glass, charcoal

26 x 23 x 3 inches

2021

​

​

During the month of May 2021, violence erupted yet again between Israel and Palestinians, including in my sister’s home city of Acco, in northern Israel.

​

Acco, a mixed Jewish-Arab city, is usually a hopeful yet fragile outpost of co-existence. Unfortunately it fell victim to a paroxysm of violence as conflicts between Jews and Arabs escalated across Israel and the Gaza Strip. This dehumanization and lack of acceptance—on both sides—results in ongoing catastrophic and devastating outcomes. Violence, destruction, and death are the direct consequence of labeling people as “other.”

 

Human is a tangible reminder of this tragic violence. It includes the charred remains of a frame as well as a Hamsa amulet meant to safeguard a home. Both were rescued from the burnt ruins of my sister’s office.