A Journey Called Aviva

From Conceptual Roots to Eco-Activism and Literary Conversations

My deep admiration for Aviva Rahmani, and the privilege of knowing her personally, has only deepened my respect for her visionary practice over time. Every encounter with her draws me into a realm where art transcends aesthetics, delving into history, politics, and the intricate dance between the individual and the collective. Meeting Aviva was transformative, revealing her boundless creativity, incisive intellect, and fervent emotional drive.

Reflecting on my previous article, I realize it was penned when I didn’t truly know her on a personal level, it was merely the tip of an iceberg. Since then, my journey and ongoing conversations with Aviva have taken me to a new depth, prompting me to uncover those hidden facets of her work that often go unnoticed. In this and future articles, I aim to capture not just the brilliance of her art, but the overall essence of Aviva.

Although my writing may sometimes seem to put her on a pedestal, my goal is not to idolize her but to harness her conceptual approach as a beacon... as a way for improving the world, especially when politics falter and society drifts away from the true meaning of living together. In a somewhat selfish attempt to learn from a remarkable woman, I hope this journey will not only honor her but also inspire, in some way, us all to learn, grow, and reconnect as individuals and as human beings.

This is my aim as a Thinkism Artist, and it is the very reason I write.

A Profound Encounter: The Genesis of a Vision

My very first meeting with Aviva was like stepping into an alternate dimension where even the simplest ideas shimmer with the potential for profound transformation. In her own measured yet impassioned words, she revealed that every masterpiece begins with what seems to be an almost unremarkable notion. Through deep introspection, meticulous research, and a fearless commitment to exploring the unknown, these humble sparks evolve into layered works of art that challenge conventional boundaries. 

Cropped photo of Aviva Rahmani by Fred Lonidier at the wedding of Pauline Oliveros and Linda Montano in San Diego, 1970

In an age dominated by fleeting aesthetics and trend-driven visuals, Aviva’s approach serves as a resounding summons to uncover the profound significance hidden in the everyday. Her art compels us to look beneath the surface, revealing the philosophical and cultural narratives that shape our lives, while also challenging or expand the conventional aesthetics established by art experts.

Her method is not simply about creation; it is a process of unearthing deeper truths, a journey from simplicity to complexity that encapsulates the very essence of human experience. Every brushstroke, every pencil line, and every intentional tear of a page is imbued with meaning, transforming everyday elements into symbols of resilience, hope, and transformation.

Art as a Mirror: Engaging with Turbulent Times

In the turbulent currents of our modern political climate, Aviva’s artistic journey becomes even more poignant. Our conversations have often turned to the unsettling resurgence of authoritarian ideologies and the erosion of civil liberties, a climate that echoes with the dissonance of history. In these discussions, her voice is both a lament and a clarion call, a reminder that art must not shy away from the brutal realities of power and oppression.

Aviva’s personal accounts of fear, both for her own safety and that of her friends and fellow creatives, are not expressions of weakness but acts of courageous defiance. She transforms her anxiety into a potent artistic force, channeling the disquiet of our times into visual narratives that challenge the status quo. Recently, the term “cruelty” has come to the forefront in our discussions; Aviva contends that we not only live in a narcissistic culture but one that, through its self-absorption, trains us to normalize cruelty. Her work becomes a mirror, reflecting the raw and often uncomfortable truths of our era, and inviting us to confront the societal forces that threaten our collective well-being.

Her insights are a testament to the belief that art must remain politically engaged, a dynamic force that exposes fractures in our social fabric while offering a path toward healing and renewal. Every line and hue in Aviva’s work reinforces my conviction that art is not merely decorative but a time-honored methodology for social transformation. Just as it has been in the past, her creative expression ignites change and sparks dialogue even in the most oppressive circumstances.

Environmental Activism Through Art: The Legacy of Blue

Among the many facets of Aviva’s expansive oeuvre, her environmental projects shine as beacons of innovative eco-activism. The project Blued Trees captured the global imagination when Aviva marked trees, symbols of life and enduring resilience, with a distinctive blue sine wave. This intervention was more than an aesthetic gesture; it was a profound act of protest against environmental degradation. 

Aviva Rahmani - Detail from the Blued Trees Project 2015 (Photo credit: Joel Greenberg www.avivarahmani.com)

By transforming natural landscapes into canvases for social commentary, Aviva redefined the role of art in environmental activism, challenging us to see nature not merely as a passive backdrop but as a dynamic participant in our shared future.

Building on this legacy, her earlier work, Blue Rocks (2002), further deepened the dialogue between human creativity and the ancient language of the earth. In this project, geological formations were reimagined as living repositories of memory, where the layers of time and the silent testimony of the natural world converged with human narratives of displacement and resilience. Through both Blued Trees and Blue Rocks, Aviva articulates an "ethic of place" that emphasizes the intricate relationship between our environment and our very identity.

Her environmental interventions remind us that nature itself holds stories of survival and resistance. They are vivid, tangible manifestations of the belief that the natural world is as much a part of our cultural heritage as any work of art, a heritage that must be defended, cherished, and continually reinterpreted.

A Literary Interrogation: Self-Portraits on Tolstoy’s War & Peace

Perhaps the most striking evolution in Aviva’s practice is her recent series of pencil self-portraits executed on the torn pages of her late mother’s Cyrillic edition of Tolstoy’s War & Peace. This project is a deeply intimate meditation on personal history, literary heritage, and the tumultuous dynamics of modern politics.

Aviva Rahmani - "Tolstoy and I" Series

Aviva’s familial roots run deep: her mother, an informal scholar of Russian literature from Bialystok, and her father from Odessa carry with them the weight of migration, resilience, and a rich cultural legacy. By choosing her mother’s treasured edition of War & Peace as the canvas for her self-portraits, Aviva forges a direct link between her personal identity and the vast narrative of Russian history. The deliberate act of tearing pages from such an iconic text is laden with symbolism, it represents both a creative liberation and a poignant confrontation with what she describes as “the violation of history.” Each self-portrait, drawn with deliberate precision, becomes a visual diary chronicling the disintegration and reconstruction of memory, identity, and cultural legacy.

Reflections on Power, Isolation, and Creative Resistance

Aviva’s reflective writings, such as her thought-provoking Substack article The Loneliness of Power, reveal another dimension of her artistic inquiry, a contemplation of the emotional landscapes shaped by power and isolation. In this piece, she examines how the mechanisms of political and cultural dominance can lead to profound isolation, distorting human relationships and perpetuating cycles of fear and complicity. Her reflections are not merely academic; they are deeply personal, resonating with the lived experiences of those who dare to challenge oppressive structures.

Aviva Rahmani - The Loneliness of Power
John White and Aviva Rahmani in the performance of “Mirrors,” a 1970 work by Aviva Rahmani filmed by Lynne Lonidier

These meditations on power serve as a vital counterpoint to her visual work, providing an intellectual framework that enriches our understanding of her art. Through her combined literary and visual endeavors, Aviva asserts that art is not a passive mirror of society but an active force of resistance and renewal, a means to forge connections, ignite dialogue, and inspire collective action.

A Personal Dream: The Hope of Collaboration in Strange Political Times

Amid these turbulent and, at times, disheartening political "strange" times, reminding me in many ways of the melancholic era of the Weimar Republic, I find solace and inspiration in the transformative potential of art. The dream that burns within me, born out of deep admiration for Aviva and the desire to contribute to the ongoing dialogue she fearlessly initiates, embodies my belief in the power of creative expression to reshape our world. To work alongside her would be to engage in a creative process that is as much about personal expression as it is about collective liberation, a process that acknowledges our vulnerabilities, celebrates our resilience, and ultimately redefines the very essence of artistic endeavor.

In these challenging political climates, when the weight of history and the uncertainty of the present can leave one feeling isolated and despondent, collaboration with fellow artists represents a beacon of hope. It is in the shared journey of creation, where each individual’s voice is heard and celebrated, that we may find the mental key to unlock a deeper reflection on who we are and what we aspire to be. Art, in its most potent form, becomes a communal lifeline, urging us to reconsider our values, to forge connections across divides, and to envision a future where creativity and empathy guide our collective destiny.

This vision of collaborative artistry is not merely an abstract hope; it is a tangible dream that fuels my own creative aspirations. Though I am not a renowned artist, the prospect of joining forces with Aviva, a visionary who challenges the status quo and reimagines the boundaries of artistic practice, fills me with both excitement and a profound sense of purpose. In a world where political and social landscapes often seem to be in disarray, the act of creating art together is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the transformative capacity of collective imagination.

The Expanding Universe of Aviva Rahmani’s Influence

Aviva Rahmani’s influence is far-reaching, resonating across environmental, literary, and political spheres. Her projects, whether the evocative Blued Trees and Blue Rocks or the introspective self-portraits on War & Peace, have garnered acclaim from scholars, activists, and fellow artists around the globe. Her work serves as a bridge, connecting the natural world with the complexities of human history, linking the personal with the political, and uniting diverse voices in a shared quest for justice and renewal.

Her commitment to an "ethic of place" has not only redefined contemporary eco-art but has also sparked broader conversations about our relationship with the environment. Through her interventions, nature is elevated from a passive setting to an active participant in the narrative of our lives, a reminder that the earth itself is a living, breathing archive of memory and possibility.

Moreover, her digital presence and eloquent reflections on platforms like Substack have fostered a vibrant international network of supporters. This global dialogue, rich with diverse perspectives, stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend borders and connect individuals in the pursuit of a more compassionate, equitable, and sustainable future.

Embracing History and Shaping the Future Through Creative Dialogue

At its core, Aviva Rahmani’s practice is a continuous conversation between history and the present, a dialogue that reclaims the past while casting a visionary gaze toward the future. Her engagement with War & Peace is emblematic of this dynamic interplay, as she reinterprets a canonical literary work through the lens of her personal experience and contemporary critique. In doing so, she reaffirms the timeless relevance of Tolstoy’s reflections on war, peace, and human morality while challenging us to reimagine the narratives that have long defined our collective identity.

Through her meticulous annotations and evocative self-portraits, Aviva invites us to question established truths and to recognize that history is not a static relic but a living, evolving dialogue. Her work suggests that every act of creation is a declaration of agency, a call to reclaim, reshape, and renew our understanding of the world. It is in this spirit that she inspires us to see art not only as a reflection of our present but also as a guiding light toward a future defined by empathy, justice, and creative liberation.

The Dream of Unity

Reflecting on my journey with Aviva Rahmani, a journey where even the infamous banana taped on the wall eventually got eaten, I am struck by the enduring power of creative dialogue. Her work, whether it is expressed through vibrant ecological interventions or deeply personal engagements with historical texts, stands as a testament to the transformative potential of art. In these challenging political times, when the landscape often feels as strange and disorienting as the melancholic echoes of the Weimar Republic, her fearless exploration of the intersections between personal history, ecological activism, and cultural critique offers a glimmer of hope. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, the creative act can illuminate paths to renewal and collective liberation.

For all of us who dare to dream, who challenge the status quo, and who envision a world where art serves as a bridge between our deepest vulnerabilities and our highest aspirations, Aviva’s work is an enduring source of inspiration. Her ability to transform even the simplest idea into a revolutionary statement, and to weave together the disparate threads of history, memory, and identity into a cohesive narrative, continues to inspire and provoke. It is a call to action for those who believe that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a vital instrument for societal transformation.

And so, with each torn page of War & Peace, each self-portrait that boldly asserts her identity, and every deliberate stroke of blue and yellow that brings hidden narratives to light, Aviva Rahmani reshapes our understanding of art and its power to transcend boundaries. Her work challenges us to see history as a dynamic, living conversation, a dialogue that invites us all to participate in the creation of a more compassionate, aware, and creatively vibrant future.

Check out my previous article here and stay tuned for upcoming posts chronicling my journey with Aviva.