Sway 2

The annual exhibition of ceramics and printmaking students concludes a year of creative activity in a shared, safe, and inclusive environment. In an unimaginable reality, where the concept of security mainly reflects its absence and "together" has become an empty phrase - the bustling learning spaces functioned as islands of sanity. The values we believe in – community, sharing, and bringing people and ideas closer together – have been realized here every day, through action.

The works created throughout the year, whether they touch on the events of the time or not, reflect the power of art to heal and create another reality, to let the imagination wander, to move in and out, to sway between extremes. Moving with the material, surrendering to time, working in a shared environment, 

and holding conversations, made it possible to regulate breathing, gain strength, rest, and dream.

Ceramic material teaches us that small, untreated cracks can become fractures, that there are fractures that cannot be healed, that when a material is pushed beyond its limits and capabilities, it collapses, that when we don't act in time, time runs out, and that the path to a solution does not involve force but rather understanding and attention.

Through the print-making processes, we can understand that stains and marks imprinted on paper or fabric remain there, even under new layers of paint, that some things cannot be erased but can be changed. 

We can understand the nature of opacity and what transparency may offer. We realize that paper and fabric accept all colors, that not everything is within our control, but through patience, flexibility, and precision, 

a clear image can be created from the layers, whose beauty sometimes lies precisely in its imperfection.

Creative action that results from listening, observation, perseverance, and openness - teaches us that when you are determined - you usually succeed, and that it is equally important to know when to stop. 

It allows us to turn over a new leaf without losing direction, and reminds us that the path is not a struggle but a movement toward peace – within ourselves and with our surroundings.

This year we said goodbye to our dear friend Michal Alon - a wonderful ceramist and teacher, who walked with us on the path for many years and left us prematurely. We will always remember and cherish her very being, her grace, her endless optimism, her modesty, her generosity, her bright smile and her big heart. May you rest in peace.

Michal Niv