“Bamboo for me has always symbolized
magic, elegance, strength, serenity, simplicity and flexibility - qualities I
wish for all of us to have.” - Anat Heifetz
A familiar and
pervasive sight in the Philippine landscape, bamboo is not a presence that turns
heads around. But in Anat Heifetz’ exhibit, Bamboo
Road: Tel Aviv – Manila, the unassuming tropical plant is transformed into striking
art pieces that dare you not to do a double take.
A fashion designer
by trade, Anat was struck by how much bamboo resembled fabric rolls. She
envisioned painting different patterns and designs on the bamboo stalks to
replicate the look of textiles. Eventually, Anat worked with wood carvers in
Paete to add another layer to her concept, incorporating multiple styles and
techniques gained from her experience as a designer and an artist. The result
is a fascinating array of bamboos of all shapes and designs.
Anat wanted to
create art that fused together her background in fashion, her love for bamboo,
and her two homes: Tel Aviv and Manila. Thus,
Bamboo Road: Tel Aviv – Manila was conceptualized, showcasing not just her love
for the craft but also showing how art can assist in bridging two cultures.
An expression of
the deep connection Anat has for Manila and Israel can be seen in show’s
centerpiece: the Sawali. For Anat, it
is the union of two cultures: the wall of a traditional Philippine hut in the
design of a traditional kilim carpet which hung on the wall of her childhood
home in Israel.
Anat has spent
many years as a fashion designer for several international brands after
completing her undergraduate degree in Shenkar College and graduate studies in Tel
Aviv University. Soon after, she decided to branch out on her own and create
her own line with her own designs. Through her travels in fashion, Anat grew
particularly fond of Southeast Asia before deciding in 2015 to relocate to the
Philippines with her family.
This exhibit will
be on show in time for the celebration of Israel’s 70th Anniversary and 60
years of the Israel-Philippines Friendship Treaty.
Bamboo Road: Tel Aviv – Manila will be on view at the Ayala Museum Third
Floor Exhibition Halls from 25 July 2018 – 19 August 2018.