Dry Water III

Dead Sea mud, Dead Sea salt, Dead Sea cosmetics, Dead Sea minerals, Dead Sea spa products, Dead Sea shampoo and conditioner—these are just a few of the many souvenirs available from the Dead Sea. In my memory of traveling to Israel, the plethora of products derived from the Dead Sea was omnipresent, signifying a troubling trend: the Dead Sea is being sold off piece by piece.

Nature itself has begun to reclaim this treasure, with the Dead Sea shrinking by about three feet each year. This relentless retreat makes it increasingly inaccessible, as the ground is swallowed bit by bit, reminding us of the impermanence of our natural wonders.

Politically, the Dead Sea is shared by three nations locked in constant conflict. Yet, ironically, this body of water unifies them through their shared exploitation. This reflects a broader human trait: our universal tendency to exploit nature.

In my work, iron symbolizes humanity and industry, while salt crystals represent nature. These salt crystals, soon to become relics of the future, embody the fragility and beauty of our natural environment.

The interplay between rust and iron in my pieces symbolizes the countries with their cultural patterns and industries. As rust, born from the salt, grows on the iron, it poses a poignant question: will it create something new, or will it lead to destruction? The future holds the answer to this crucial question, reflecting the broader fate of our relationship with nature.