Ori Gersht: The Clearing

This exhibition premieres a new film and series of photographs by Ori Gersht. The forest in question surrounds Kolomyia, in the Ukraine, a remaining fragment of the primeval forest that once covered continental Europe. Idealised in Caspar David Friedrich’s paintings, the area bore witness to appalling atrocities during World War II. Ori Gersht’s own relatives found a brief, harsh haven here from Nazi persecution. The film is made deep in this forest, bathed in dappled pools of light. However, as the pace of the film increases, a number of trees start to fall mysteriously in front of the camera, crashing down to earth.

The film is co-commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella in association with The Photographers’ Gallery, with support from Arts Council England. With additional thanks to CRG Gallery, New York, Angles Gallery, Los Angeles, Noga Gallery, Tel Aviv and Andrew Mummery Gallery London.

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Ori Gersht: The Clearing