Ishmael Randall-Weeks b. 1976
Shelf with olive branch , 2023
Bronze
60 x 40 x 35 cm
23 5/8 x 15 3/4 x 13 3/4 in
23 5/8 x 15 3/4 x 13 3/4 in
Edition of 3 + 1 AP
This work involves the creation of a prayer shelf inspired by the commonality of prayer shelves across various religions. The artist, fascinated by the universal form of these altars, sought...
This work involves the creation of a prayer shelf inspired by the commonality of prayer shelves across various religions. The artist, fascinated by the universal form of these altars, sought to create a space that transcends individual beliefs. The piece incorporates a branch from the oldest olive tree in the Samaca Valley, symbolizing a connection to a specific place and serving as a gift exchanged between the artist and the owner of the olive groves he got it from. The process of regenerating life from a seemingly lifeless branch reflects on temporality and holds deeper connotations, particularly concerning the significance of olive trees in the Mediterranean region and the ongoing conflicts in Israel and Palestine. The use of basic forms like the square and circle, as well as the integration of nature into structure, adds layers of meaning to the artwork, emphasizing the intersection of man and nature.