Ella Littwitz
For the Glory of the Nation, 2017
Pine tree and Jewish National Fund tree certificate
Dimensions variable
Copyright The Artist, Harlan Levey Projects & Copperfield, London
“For the glory of the nation, a tree has been planted on your daughter's behalf” A hidden memory is stored in a couple of inanimate objects, bridging a deep narrative...
“For the glory of the nation, a tree has been planted on your daughter's behalf”
A hidden memory is stored in a couple of inanimate objects, bridging a deep narrative that involves many invisible layers of control. A small pine tree removed from its context, becomes a symbol of geographical claim, no longer being appropriated as nature. The work questions fundamental issues of colonization and the restructuring of the landscape as a form of propaganda. It is emblematic of a strategy of reforestation undertaken by the Israeli government in Palestinian territories since the 40s. The tree and certificate embody a battle over meanings and appropriations, with multiple truths.
A hidden memory is stored in a couple of inanimate objects, bridging a deep narrative that involves many invisible layers of control. A small pine tree removed from its context, becomes a symbol of geographical claim, no longer being appropriated as nature. The work questions fundamental issues of colonization and the restructuring of the landscape as a form of propaganda. It is emblematic of a strategy of reforestation undertaken by the Israeli government in Palestinian territories since the 40s. The tree and certificate embody a battle over meanings and appropriations, with multiple truths.