Tel Aviv - The White City + Beyond by Carol Bishop and Susan Horowitz examines the Modernist legacy of the architecture of Tel Aviv's White City. They expand on concepts derived from the architecture of that region. Their images excavate the foundations and spirit of the original vision of the city when the 1930's International Style of architecture was adopted to create a new urban environment. The White City was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.
The architecture of Tel Aviv eloquently speaks of the complex issues of history, culture, form, restoration and possibility - both a testimony to the original plan, as well as a profile on change. Together, the artists reveal issues and ideas about the current look and meaning of the White City. Bishop's photographs, Colors of the White City, focus on the changes of the Modernist legacy through the color and light of the city. Her interest focuses on historical overlays and what they say. Horowitz's project Perspective - The White City, looks at issues of preservation, what is lost and what still exists. These projects led each artist to further exploration:
Some Shulman Architecture by Susan Horowitz documents the work of noted Tel Aviv architect Ben-Ami Shulman as he moves and transforms his work from the White City to Los Angeles.
Old Jaffa/Yafo and Bricks + Earth by Carol Bishop explores the origins of Tel Aviv buildings starting in Jaffa, and contrasts the materials and foundations of the Modern constructions.
The Artists: Carol Bishop and Susan Horowitz create photographic projects related to architecture which open up dialogues about design issues, urban life and contemporary culture. As artists whose work often focuses on architectural modernism in L.A. including the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler,etc. they seek to find connections to structures around the world. The forms and ideas of these designers and other modernists, such as Le Corbusier and the Bauhaus architects, inspired separate trips to explore and document their reactions to the White City.