Maya Zack

Meme 1
Video with sound. Duration: 14:40 min. Language: no words. Screening Formats: DVD, Mini DV.

scroll down for Meme 2

Synopsis
The Meme video series deals with the notion of immigration and with the immigrant as a 'cultural agent' of his place of origin. The Meme videos are inspired by the idea of a 'Meme' – the basic unit of cultural information – being spread, transferred and duplicated from mind to mind like a virus (as in the pseudo-scientific theory of Memetics).

The videos examine the validity of cultural and folklorist knowledge or prejudice, binding one with a place, with a group, with a tradition and constructing our knowledge about a foreign cultures:
In Meme 1. Kiko Kako Kikokeivich eccentric characters examine their cultural roots through interaction with folklorist objects and souvenirs and by executing bizarre artistic and pseudo -scientific procedures: A scientist preparing for an egg operation with meticulous procedures of order while surrounded by Russian “Babushka” dolls, seeking the motherly cultural Meme that was running in his family for generations.
A folklorist dancer is trapped in her folklorist outfit and in her local environment bound to constant choreographic gesture that leads nowhere but to an artificial heavenly sky.

Meme 1
Video with sound. Duration: 11 min. Language: no words. Screening Formats: DVD, Mini DV.
video stills

Synopsis
The Meme video series deals with the notion of immigration and with the immigrant as a 'cultural agent' of his place of origin. The Meme videos are inspired by the idea of a 'Meme' – the basic unit of cultural information – being spread, transferred and duplicated from mind to mind like a virus (as in the pseudo-scientific theory of Memetics).

The videos examine the validity of cultural and folklorist knowledge or prejudice, binding one with a place, with a group, with a tradition and constructing our knowledge about foreign cultures.

In Meme 2 an orientalist tourist equipped with a map tries to find his way in the sweaty desert – an artificial paper setting that looks like an extension of his map. this is followed by a dancer, dressed in folkloristic outfit, performing desperate acts in a grey generic office. the video concludes with a CGI folklorist dress, blowing in the wind, while waving up a pole like a national flag.

Cast and Crew
Directors, script, design, production: Maya Zack / Actors: Elian Valaji, Shredy Jabarin / Camera & Lighting: Stanislav Levor / Editing: Stanislav Levor, Maya Zack. Virtual 3D animation: Omer Brainer.

Production Support and Sponsors:
CCA Tel Aviv

Festivals and Screenings
2004 Video zone video art festival, Tel Aviv

Exhibitions
2006 Videoland, Artneuland gallery Berlin