Next Year in New Yerusalem, 2014

The phrase "Next year in Jerusalem" is recited at the end of the Passover seder and on other occasions. It expresses the prospect of redemption, as Jews and Jewesses expect to return to Jerusalem with the arrival of the Messiah. The circular shape of the neon work suggests the perpetual repetition of the phrase and the unfulfilled vision of salvation. With the addition of the word "New", Bartana opens the scope of interpretation and makes utopian dreaming possible. "New Jerusalem" could be another, reimagined place that does not carry the burden of conflict.