About Me
Artist Statement: Adi Harari
Visual Artist
(b. 1975, Rehovot, Israel)
Lives and works in Amstelveen, Netherlands
As a visual artist specializing in editorial fashion and portrait photography, my work is profoundly influenced by a rich blend of cultural and artistic experiences. Growing up surrounded by the design world through my mother’s bridal fashion house, I developed a deep-seated appreciation for aesthetics and visual storytelling.
My artistic journey began with private realistic painting lessons under Mark Shov (1994 – 1995). I furthered my studies in fashion design at Miriam School of Design, Tel Aviv (1995 – 1997), and in patternmaking at Shenkar College (2014 – 2017). My commitment to photography was honed at Camera Obscura School of Art, Tel Aviv (1996 – 2000), and the School of Visual Arts, New York City (2000 – 2001). In 2016, I deepened my technical expertise with a workshop in the wet plate collodion process, led by Rustam Bayramov, followed by an advanced course at Alchemy Studio with Rachel Erez. These experiences have allowed me to seamlessly integrate traditional and contemporary practices in my work.
My artistic exploration focuses on contrasts and dualities—Old and New, West and East, Analog and Digital, Good Wolf and Bad Wolf. I delve into themes such as Spirit and Material, Being and Nothingness, and Life and Death. Through a blend of traditional film photography, modern digital formats, and unconventional materials like leather, metal mesh, and fabric, I capture these oppositions with a unique perspective.
Inspired by a historical photograph, my work bridges traditional and modern viewpoints, with a particular emphasis on female empowerment and the complexities of Middle Eastern femininity. This photograph, which embodies both strength and grace, serves as a cornerstone for my exploration of the nuanced experiences of women in this region.
My practice is characterized by a fusion of analog, digital, and AI technologies, creating a distinctive visual language that harmonizes tradition with innovation. My work challenges perceptions, celebrates contrasts, and reveals the layers of human experience, offering a deeper understanding of both the tangible and intangible aspects of existence.
Beyond photography, I engage in video, employing innovative methods to tell visual stories. This multidisciplinary approach allows me to push the boundaries of traditional photography and create immersive experiences that blend visual imagery with sensory and conceptual exploration.
My art is defined by its exploration of contrasts—light and shadow, spirit and matter, past and present. I strive to connect the known with the hidden, inviting viewers to see the artwork as a reflection of personal and shared human narratives. My creations encourage introspection and dialogue with the profound stories embedded in our collective existence.
Dedicated to exploring dualities—sacred and secular, intimacy and distance, strength and fragility—my work honors the resilient spirit of those navigating the layered complexities of femininity in the Middle East. It bridges a rich past with an evolving future, offering a nuanced perspective on the depth and richness of the female experience.