On the Everyman cinema stage in London (2009), Shuli Nachshon wrapped herself with a dramatic colourful kerchief that was lit with tiny light bulbs. The gentle warm light presents viewers with a human sculpture that very soon unveils the artist and metaphorically exposes her voice.
The big kerchief enveloping Nachshon acts as a temporary domestic space. This is part of Nachshon’s wider interest in derelict residential urban spaces and their potential as creative hubs for the production of her art.
Nachshon sings an iconic Jewish (religious) song, A Woman of Worth that involves a husband praising his wife. Following her singing, Nachshon makes a short statement, ‘I stand here in your place. My voice is your unheard voice’, casting doubt about the song’s nature, implying its hidden chauvinism to contemporary and secular eyes… In so doing, Nachshon gives a voice to past generations of women in her family.
The artist’s repetition of this statement in three languages, Hebrew, Arabic and English, reveals familial, cultural and socio-political tensions, barriers, boundaries and complexities.
Galit Mana
Curator & Art Critic based in London
Shuli Nachshon ArtistFilmmaker