The Remaining Tree

Miriam Cabessa’s series of works documents an artistic process that occurred during her
stay at the Carmel Forest Resort as part of the AFAR (Art Forest Residency) program,
which hosts Israeli artists while they work on a creative project.
Cabessa has been inspired by the thriving Camel Forests area, particularly the lone tree that
survived the fire that devastated the Carmel Forest several years ago. Her physical intervention in the tree’s environment, which took the form of an almost ritualistic fusion, was carried out with the help of natural pigments that she scattered in earthen channels.
She then dipped papers and fabrics in the pigments to create her artwork, which was photographed by Adi Tarkay. This process is part of a renewed examination of the notion of landscapes, nature, and colors that can be found throughout Israel.
Cabessa’s work was created in the spirit of the 1970s Land Art movement. Her works reflect the old concept with a contemporary, digital eye. Land Art introduced culture to nature, exploring the tension created between nature’s perfection and the manmade, essentially political quality of art and culture.
At a second glance, Cabessa’s work represents a metaphysical connection between her body and the ravaged natural landscape, as well as a parallel thought that the Resort serves as an oasis of relaxation and recreation for its guests.

Photography: Adi Tarkay, Leica Monochrom and Hasselblad Medium Format cameras.
Curator: Sharon Toval
Hebrew Editor: Ester Shalev