As Melbourne begins to open up after lockdown, a kaleidoscopic structure reflecting on thousands of years of Jewish tradition has appeared on the lawns of Birrarung Marr.
Known as Sukkah, the colourful installation is a collaboration between architect Zahava Elenberg and the Jewish Museum of Australia. It was originally to be unveiled for the week-long Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot in early October, but the city’s lockdown delayed its opening.
The proponents hope the installation will now act as a new outdoor meeting place for locals venturing into the city once again, as a representation of “community, connection and reflection.”
Elenberg said the design of the installation reflects the long-held Jewish tradition of constructing temporary booths or huts in which to rejoice with family, friends and neighbours.
Sukkah by Zahava Elenberg and the Jewish Museum of Australia.
“Sukkah is a temporary shelter in memory of the huts used by the Israelites as they wandered the Sinai Desert during their exodus from Egypt. It is a place of memory and empathy for those who are homeless and displaced,” she said.
Each of its components is embedded with symbolic meaning, the colours referencing the four species mentioned in the Torah that are of particular significance to the Sukkot festival: the etrog, hadas, aravah and lulav.
“The walls are the colours of the earth, desert and etrog (the fruit of the citron tree),” said Elenberg. “The blue eaves remind us of the limitless sky and encourage us to look beyond adversity. The roof is clear to allow the stars to be seen at night, and is connected with shades of the hadas (the myrtle tree), aravah (the willow tree) and lulav (the palm frond). In this time of uncertainty and isolation, the Sukkah brings us together to reflect on humanity and what it means to be part of a community.”
Available to visit now as an outdoor-only meeting place, Sukkah will open up further as restrictions ease, with visitors be able to enter and view the internal structure. It will remain on Birrarung Marr until 13 December.
“This beautiful site-specific installation reflects the long-held Jewish tradition of constructing temporary booths or huts in which to rejoice with family, friends and neighbours while giving thanks to the earth for its bounty,” said Jewish Museum of Australia director Jess Bram. “As Melbourne comes out of its long and challenging lockdown, Zahava’s inspiring sculpture feels like the perfect symbol of unity and hope that we’re proud to be offering our city.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
