Michal Gavish

Bio

Michal Gavish is currently attending the MFA program in Painting at SFAI, where she completed her BFA in 2005. Her most current exhibitions include an SFMOMA artist gallery show (November 2006- January 2007). She is currently involved in a performance project of lectures that she gives at SFAI graduate school. These art history talks challenge cultural misconceptions by looking into the art of the "other".

Statement

Prayer Book is my attempt to look at the Middle East conflict from the other side. Coming to California seven years ago from Israel, I have experienced here for the first time the possibility of different cultures coexisting. Using the format of ancient Manuscripts, I try to persuade Jewish, Muslim and Christian texts into fitting on the same page. Instead of claiming my side, I try placing quotes from the Bible in three languages so that the view of the other is of equal importance to mine. While the three texts blend together into a harmonious lace structure, this actual message is not so simple. As the situation in the Middle East deteriorates such an attempt may seem today naive. The hope of seeing the other side is questioned by illustrating these common prayers with the imagery of old angels. In their heavy and tired bodies these angels can hardly fly. They reflect the complexity and hopelessness of the situation in their image that is so different from our childhood stories. Those angels were beautiful, innocent and inspiring. Trying to fulfill so many conflicting dreams the angels and our hopes have grown old and tired. The only way that maybe left is to try to turn around and take the view of the other side.