Rabin Square is like a blank canvas, an empty box — a void in the middle of Tel Aviv. It occupies a whole city block and its vacancy is almost entirely uninterrupted. Starkness, straight lines, symmetry: this architectural style is called brutalism.
This space is filled not with structures, but with memories — of great demonstrations organized by groups all across the political spectrum. In fact, it has been a designated civic space since before it was designed by architect Avraham Yaski in 1964, and even before the establishment of the State of Israel. But recently, says peace activist Uri Avnery, Israelis have become apathetic and increasingly reluctant to demonstrate in the enormous Square.
The harsh, empty middle of Rabin Square can be thought of as a kind of sacred space — not in a religious sense. Just in the sense that it’s reserved for extraordinary occasions when masses — sometimes hundreds of thousands of people — come together and make a statement. This space is bounded by a 'profane' periphery where everyday life takes place. In contrast to the center, the edges have shade, benches, and an ecological pond where people sit around and even sunbathe.
This show is split in two: part one, the sacred or ceremonial space; part two, the profane or quotidian space.
Part one, The Architecture of Memory, explores the physical form of the square and the memory of the great political demonstrations that took place there — including the 1995 peace demonstration that ended in the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
Interviews:
Tali Hatuka, architect
Itai Palti, architect
Uri Avnery, journalist and peace activist
Achinoam Nini (Noa), singer
Music:
Dawn of Midi - Lo
Max Richter - Cascades Nw by N
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - The Sure Shot (Pts. 1 & 2) [Instrumental]
The Kinks - Some Mother's Son
Machina - Az Lama Li Politica
Max Richter - Found Song for P.
Achinoam Nini - Nagia el Hachalom
Singer Achinoam Nini (Noa) is going on tour in the U.S. For more information visit NoasMusic.com
Produced by Shoshi Shmuluvitz
