Sharon Ya’ari • Desolate Cities, Shivta, Haluza, and Other Cities

Desolate Cities, Shivta, Haluza, and Other Cities

About

*Ruins of the City of Shivta*, 2010
88 × 106 cm

*Wadi View, Ruins of the City of Halutza*, 2011
88 × 106 cm

Shivta was established by the Nabateans in the first century C.E. The village served as a waystation along the ancient Spice Road. During the 5^th to the 7^th century, as trade activity waned and ultimately ceased, Shivta became a prosperous agricultural settlement in the middle of the desert, first as a Byzantine and later as a Muslim city. In the 8th century Shivta turned into a heap of ruins.

The ruins are photographed on dusty days during a heatwave, in a manner reminiscent of the late 19^thcentury tradition of photographing historical sites, of Hollywood adventure cinema, and of the virtual arenas of late 1990’s video games.

Desolate Cities, Shivta, Haluza, and Other Cities

Desolate Cities, Shivta, Haluza, and Other Cities

Ruins of the City of Shivta, 2010

Ruins of the City of Shivta, 2010

Ruins of the City of Shivta, 2010

Ruins of the City of Shivta, 2010

Wadi View, Ruins of the City of Halutza, 2011