Rifts, Joints, and Rifts

Anna Hayat & Slava Pirsky’s “Rifts, Joints, and Rifts” showcases unique fabric-printed photographs, some hand-sewn and embroidered, evoking pain. Shot on discontinued Polaroid film, the images bear random stains, resembling early analog photography but with distinct differences. Inspired by Kintsugi, the duo’s sewn pieces emphasize joints, echoing a sense of urgency amidst the Ukrainian war. Dr. Smadar Sheffi notes their artistic dialogue between photography and painting, citing parallels with Jean-Louis David’s “The Death of Marat,” imbued with Christian symbolism. Hayat & Pirsky’s wreathed peonies evoke surrender, intensified by patches and threads, evoking despair.