Michal Helfman's NYC debut at K. explores Middle East economics through interactive installation
Israeli artist Michal Helfman presented her inaugural solo exhibition, titled "I'm so broke I can't pay attention," from June 14 to July 2, 2015, at K. in New York. The exhibit featured a currency exchange displaying Iraqi, Syrian, Afghan, and Lebanese currencies. A beaded curtain divided this area from the back gallery, which showcased a Jordanian mat and Helfman's drawing "One Dollar," inspired by ancient Egypt. Additionally, a backgammon set with Syrian dice highlighted themes of refugee displacement, accompanied by an eight-minute video representing global dislocation. Helfman’s work included "Attention" (2015), depicting a rifle-bearing figure on $100 bills. K. regularly explores themes of economics and value, with Helfman drawing on insights from humanitarian aid smuggling into Syria.
Key facts
- Michal Helfman's debut NYC solo show ran from June 14 to July 2, 2015
- The exhibition was held at K., a temporary project space at 334 Broome Street in New York
- Visitors could exchange currency for Iraqi, Syrian, Afghan, or Lebanese bills at a 1:1 rate
- A backgammon set included Syrian 3D-printed dice engraved with "we will not forgive we will not forget"
- The video % (2013) featured five dancers representing global displacement statistics
- Sculpture "Attention" (2015) depicted a rifle-wielding figure balanced on $100 bills
- K. operated from March through July 2015 as an alter ego of the P! exhibition space
- Helfman is an Israeli multidisciplinary artist based in Tel Aviv
Entities
Artists
- Michal Helfman
- Abraham Maslow
Institutions
- K.
- P! exhibition space
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Tel Aviv
- Israel
- Iraq
- Syria
- Afghanistan
- Lebanon
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Ur