The exhibition "Dissociation - The Unseen Within" is a living, evolving
space, that mirrors the fragmented psyche of a survivor of atrocities or
trauma. Dissociation is a survival mechanism; it is a way for the mind to
shield the self from unbearable psychological and physical pain by
separating from conscious awareness. The result of this separation is often
fragmentation of parts of the self within the psyche. This exhibition
reflects such fragmentation-spaces of transparency and obscurity,
closeness and detachment, identity and erasure. Following traumatic
events, dissociation becomes a pervasive experience, and in Israel, after
the "Iron Swords" war, it has surfaced as a collective and ual
psychological reality.

Yet, it is not limited to war survivors; other casualties include victims of
sexual violence, survivors of accidents, severe illness, extreme fear or
neglectful and violent environments. Survivors of such traumas can
potentially experience dissociation as a protective yet isolating force.
Protective, because the survivor disconnects from conscious awareness,
and isolating because connection with others is not possible and may feel
unsafe. Though it is a common psychological response, dissociation
remains largely invisible to both the general public and the survivor; as
such, it is rarely discussed.

Within this exhibition space, visitors are invited to navigate through a maze
of transparent and semi-transparent polyethylene sheets, mirroring the
distorted perception and fragmented awareness that is dissociation.
The boundaries between inside and outside, reality and memory,
sensation and detachment are blurry. The result is the creation of an
immersive space that challenges perception. Artists from various
disciplines - video, dance, sound, painting, sculpture and textile art -
embody the tension between fragmentation and unity, detachment and
the desperate longing for connection. Every aspect of the space - the
artworks, the structure, the documentation and even the presence of the
audience - becomes a representation of the disassociated self, different
facets of identity, and the complex interplay of trauma and perception.

The exhibition may not offer clear answers, but it is to initiate
conversation, to make visible what is more often invisible. The
fragmented perspectives within the space mirror the reality of those living
with dissociation - where one can only glimpse aspects of the self and
never the self in its entirety. Alongside the artworks, daily discussions.
with trauma and dissociation experts will take place in an effort to
deepen public engagement and understanding of the psychological
mechanisms that shape our responses to trauma and traumatic events.

At this moment in time, as Israeli society navigates ongoing collective
trauma, raising awareness about dissociation is more crucial than ever. Understanding its impact and supporting not only those who experience it but also their loved ones - family members, friends and
caregivers who are also affected - is essential. Recognizing dissociation
is a vital step toward normalizing the experience, bringing it out of the
shadows by breaking the silence, and creating a space for
acceptance, connection and healing.