Special Projects

Have You Seen the Wind?

Creators: Ori Shifrin Anavi  - Michael Shvadron
Curation and Production: Michal Shapira
Editing: Ran Menachem
Partners: Hostages’ Families Headquarters, Adva Kremer, Dror Sinai, Yael Maor, Efra and Shani Elbaz Lafler, Linda Stein, Yaniv Katzir
251 yellow flags were placed in February 2025 at the Jordan River estuary — the lowest place on earth, at the meeting point between the fresh waters of the Jordan and the disappearing Dead Sea. This installation was created as a tribute and a call for the return of the hostages who fell victim to the terror attack of October 7th. The placement of the flags in the exposed and extreme landscape of the Dead Sea raises questions about ending and renewal, loss and hope, and exposes the open wound in the heart of Israeli society.The yellow flags — symbols of the public struggle for the release of the hostages — were positioned in a long straight line, like a silent procession that emerged from the waters but has not yet reached safe shore. They create a glowing "scar" across the desert landscape, a fracture of color in the silent scenery, a burning memory that refuses to be erased. The wind blowing between them echoes the human, Israeli spirit, determined — fighting, persisting, and not giving up until all return home.That same spirit we now wish to bring from the lowest place on earth to the heart of Tel Aviv, to Freshpaint Art & Design Fair. In the fair, a video documenting the installation against the backdrop of the Dead Sea and desert is projected. Yellow flags hang above it, representing the hostages who remain behind.The flags float above visitors' heads, separating us from the sky. Positioned here as a constant reminder that returning the hostages is the most important and urgent mission. It is the wind. The hope.