Floating Synagogue Installation Captures Jewish Diaspora Experience at Venice Biennale

An art installation resembling a small, Eastern European-style wooden synagogue, complete with illuminated windows, is currently suspended in the skies above Venice's canals as part of the 61st Venice Biennale. Titled 'Nabatele,' the work by Ukrainian-Jewish artist Danae Kamyshan, who resides in London, is not a digital manipulation but a large, inflatable helium balloon designed to symbolize the enduring spirit of Jewish existence in the diaspora. The artwork aims to represent a sense of belonging unbound by geography, a sanctuary in constant motion, and an identity that persists through instability and uncertainty.

The 'Yiddishland Pavilion,' an independent project at the Biennale since 2022, showcases works by artists exploring Yiddish culture, migration, and politics. Kamyshan's initial concept was for a much smaller structure, but the pavilion's organizers, after initial hesitation partly due to the post-October 7th climate, eventually accepted the larger vision, especially after the Jewish Museum of Montreal joined the project.

Bringing the 'Nabatele' to life involved significant engineering and logistical challenges. The 12-meter-long, 100-kilogram structure requires a complex system of helium containment, an outer fabric shell, and a stabilization mechanism to withstand varying wind conditions. Kamyshan faced difficulties with engineering firms, material sourcing from specialized companies in Germany and Spain, and navigating Venetian authorities regarding its placement. The project also encountered setbacks, including a last-minute repair before the opening and rising helium costs, with each flight costing between 10,000 and 12,000 euros.

Kamyshan, who describes herself as religious and previously lived in Israel, identifies with the concept of being 'unrooted,' seeing it as a form of freedom. She views 'Nabatele' as a representation of a lost world and a vision for a future 'Yiddishland' without borders, based on culture and language. The illuminated synagogue at night symbolizes an inner light, offering hope during dark times. The installation has garnered positive reactions from both Jewish and non-Jewish visitors, with many expressing that it provides comfort and pride, particularly in the current global climate. Despite some initial misinterpretations, Kamyshan hopes the project will tour internationally, including a potential exhibition in Israel.