simon fujiwara installs 1:1 replica of anne frank house inside tel aviv's dvir gallery

for the artist’s third exhibition at dvir gallery in tel aviv, israel, simon fujiwara has installed a full scale replica of amsterdam’s anne frank house within the existing gallery space. with an artistic twist, fujiwara has designed a fully immersive exhibition titled, ‘hope house.’ based on surviving artifacts, first-hand accounts, and the details from anne frank’s diary, fujiwara’s interpretation of the secret annex can be experienced as a three-dimensional, sculptural object in which the artist has included evocative elements of contemporary socio-political commentary. the exhibition is described as a ‘hybrid experience whose origins and model/product speak of the increasing synthesis of ideology, politics, philanthropy, and capitalism.’

the exhibition was inspired by a 1:60 replica the artist found in the anne frank house gift shop in amsterdam
all images by elad sarig courtesy of the artist and dvir gallery

fujiwara became interested in this topic when visiting the anne frank house museum in amsterdam. in the gift shop, the artist purchased a 1:60 scale model of the building. fujiwara’s dvir gallery model takes on a 1:1 scale and was constructed within the existing space, split between three floors. fujiwara uses sculptures, artifacts, domestic interiors, videos, and sound installations to provide his visitors with an all-encompassing experience described best by the german word ‘gesamtkunstwerk’ — total work of art. fujiwara also challenges our interpretation of history with ‘hope house’ by presenting a emotional, content rich, and sometimes uneasy picture of human existence through a drive to fulfill our strongest desires.

fujiwara reconstructs a 1:1 recreation of the house inside the gallery space 

using sound features, video installations, and sculpture the artists creates an immersive experience

the artist encorporates noble elements from anne frank’s story as found in her diary 

most objects are not historically accurate adding to fujiwara’s artistic commentary

within the installation, the artist contemplates human desire and existence 

the artist creates a fully immersive experience for the visitors

the installation also contains political and satirical commentary on current global issues

fujiwara’s works has been displayed around the world and explore several artistic mediums

the installation is described as a ‘hybrid experience’

the building within a building, the exhibition covers three floors of the dvir gallery