Nomadism is a concept that reflects the Nomad’s lifestyle. Emerging as a framework for analyzing modern society, which has achieved digitalization, it exerts a profound influence on the expression and form of contemporary art, and on artists’ activities. Digitality is the most accessible form of artistic nomadism; it enables art to transcend most external obstacles, closed borders, and restrictions.
“Art and Nomads: The Other Nature” is a project that includes a conference and an exhibition. It was supposed to be opened in these days at the Harmony Jerusalem City Hall. The project was conceived as the 3rd event of the International Art Platform On program, initiated by IVCAA in Gwangju, Republic of Korea, as a space for dialogue between the different cultures of Europe, Asia, America, and the Middle East.
Our primary goal is to position Israel as an integral part of the global cultural space, to build horizontal ties between members of different nationalities, and to expand the boundaries of mutual understanding. Artists and scholars from six countries — Israel, Korea, Belgium, France, the USA, and Mongolia — were supposed to present their art, ideas, and investigations here in Jerusalem at the exhibition, and as part of the Jerusalem Biennale program. The artists from the abovementioned countries were expected to come, bringing their paintings, installations, and digital art to Jerusalem.
Because of unforeseen force majeure circumstances — the dramatic events of October 7, followed by the war in Israel — the curators have been forced to shelve their plans for the time being. Our major “Art and Nomads: The Other Nature” project has been postponed, as well. At present, the participating foreign artists cannot come to Jerusalem, or ship their artworks here. However, digital art recognizes no borders; it flies all over the world, like Jonathan Livingston Seagull. In these difficult times, the exhibition organized by the Israeli association INEMEA is a gesture of support for Israel, and it is held as part of the Jerusalem Biennale.
Nataliya Kamenetskaya, Galina Bleikh
