Two worlds coexist in this photograph; an idyllic, lush resort-like pool and a barren hillside of settlements and construction behind it. Swimmers stretch out on deckchairs while a wall that would … Read More
Two worlds coexist in this photograph; an idyllic, lush resort-like pool and a barren hillside of settlements and construction behind it. Swimmers stretch out on deckchairs while a wall that would separate the country is being built in the visible distance. A moment in time captured, reflecting the desire to turn our heads from tragedy unfolding.
“This photo was taken in Jerusalem in 2006, when the war between Lebanon and Israel started. The frontline was far away, but that didn’t stop me from constantly worrying, or following the news. Seeing soldiers and people carrying guns on the streets, hearing shotgun sounds coming from all around the city. It was nerve-racking. The sentence “We were chilling by the pool when the war started” was running through my mind. I looked through the window of my hotel room, thinking about the history of this place as well as everything else that was going on in the region at that moment. At a distance, I saw the separation wall being built in-between. Then I saw people hanging out by the pool. I needed to capture this situation, so I took the photo. The title was already there…”
– Šejla Kamerić
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