The scenes in this video installation were all filmed during family celebrations - holidays and birthday parties - on the artificial lawn in the back yard of the artist's childhood home. This back yard, which is situated in Holon, also functions as the yard of the private childcare center run by Gueller's mother. The dominant and industrious mother is seen "activating" a multitude of children and adults during different events. Gueller's scrutinizing gaze poignantly reveals how joyous celebrations are conducted in Israel. She intentionally unravels the seam between the artificially staged and the documentary, and intensifies the dreamlike, synthetic feeling that characterizes familial demonstrations of happiness. The manner in which the autobiographical contents of this work merge with a larger collective experience calls for a critical examination of contemporary Israeli society, of its celebrations and moments of joy.
This installation is part of the exhibition "Mixed Emotions".