Prototypes
The Transformation of Tradition
Name:
Gila Abrams
Year:
M1
Location:
Old Cairo, Egypt
Portfolio:
Dossier:
Prototypes: The Transformation of Tradition looks at the adaptations and changes of Jewish history, tradition, and rituals. These ideas are explored through multiple chapters and prototypes.
This project uses archival theory, oral histories, personal experiences and social media as the main research tools. These findings are then translated into ethnographic drawings, films, as well as interactive models. This project looks to create prototypes that respond to the transformation of tradition over time; in conjunction with the haunted histories of Jews in Egypt and the Genizah archive.
Situated at the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Geniza Archive found there, this project traces the history of Jews in Egypt from the 10th century through to the 1960’s. Using architectural elements of the Ben Ezra Synagogue to create a new archive, as well as everyday objects found in the Geniza and their modern interpretations, and objects belonging to different Egyptian Jews throughout history. By delving into this new archive and exploring the everydayness of these objects one is able to trace the layers and explore the fragments of Egyptian Jewish history and Jewish tradition and ritual.
Keywords:
Archive, Traces, Haunting, Fragments, Memory, Geniza, Jewish Tradition, Past/Present/Future, Changes/Continuity, Everydayness
