Flight Squadrons / computer processed hand drawn sketch, laser cut MDF and willow / 2008

IDF symbols and insignia are a sign of belonging, a source of unit pride.

In the “Flight Squadrons” series, Ido Michaeli employs the aesthetic of these symbol systems to create tribute plaques stationed in a row like a victory wall, the very epitome of military iconography. He commits to the logic driving IDF symbols and names but instills in the squadron names he invents verbal and visual disruptions.

In the post-truth age of alternative facts it is difficult to differentiate between truth and bullshit. And bullshit, as we learned from Harry Frankfurt, is more dangerous than lies. Lies may turn away from truth, but do reference it by hiding, obfuscating, and denying it. Bullshit ignores truth completely.

Michaeli takes this one step further: he takes bullshit to the very extreme, bringing it to a point where the invisible becomes visible again.