dedicated to the unknown writers
(Homage to susan hiller), 2026
Susan Hiller dedicated several of her works to departed artists whom she admired and respected. Garfen has admired and respected Hiller (1940 - 2019) for many years, and is dedicating her artwork, Dedicated to the Unknown Writers (Homage to Susan Hiller), to Hiller.
While collecting vintage postcards of Israel for a separate art project, Garfen became drawn to the handwritten messages written by their original senders to relatives and friends.These postcards put in mind Hiller’s work, Dedicated to the Unknown Artists which incorporated over 300 snapshots of rough seas. As Garfen’s practice is underscored by text, she chose to reveal the messages rather than the images.
As the practice of sending postcards from holiday destinations has largely fallen out of use, these objects now function as fragments of social history. The majority of the postcards were sent by Christians travelling to Israel on tours and pilgrimages to connect with the Holy Land. Prior to the pandemic, Christians formed the largest group of annual visitors; in 2019, 2.5 million Christians visited Israel out of a total of 4.5 million tourists.
9.5.81
Having a super holiday here – if a bit rushed! Hot, sunny weather – so I’m working on the tan. Just arrived in Tel-Aviv after Jerusalem. I’ve floated on the Dead Sea, seen Lake Galilee, Nazareth and Bethlehem. Jerusalem is an amazing mixture of cultures – Arab, Jewish and Christian – the muezzin vies for attention with his call for prayer whilst the Franciscan monks take hordes of people through the chant of the Stations of the Cross. Most confusing! Love, Martin
20.4.90
Dear Dad
You’d like it here, its warm. So far we have visited the Old City of Jerusalem, the sea of Galilee, as well as many places important to both Jesus’ life and the spread of the Gospel. It is great and a good break from our studies. See you, I hope, when we get back, lots of love, John & Jenny
1981
Dear Eileen & Roy
Thank you for your letter which I received yesterday – it was nice to hear from you. I’m still having a great time. Last week, we went to a kibbutz; & Caesarea (an ancient port with Roman ruins). I also went to Hebron & Bethlehem, and tomorrow, we’re off to Jerusalem again. There are lots of bazaars like this in the old city – it’s really interesting there. We’re hoping to get booked on an organised trip to Sinai soon. It’s extremely hot in the desert, but I don’t want to miss going because once its returned to Egypt there probably won’t be much tourism there. Hope you are all well. Love, Jan
2006
Dear Florrie & Bert
Having a wonderful time spent a few days in Galilee and we are now in Jerusalem. We’ve walked where Jesus walked and viewed Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives where he wept over the City. See you soon, Val & Geoffrey
2/2/81
I am here on an eight days’ tour of the Holy Land and enjoying seeing all those places I have preached about so often. This gate leads into the old City and Temple area. Unfortunately, the weather has been wet and windy, but it has not stopped our visits. Love from Theo
Measurement: 155cm x 125cm x 2.5cm
Materials: 60 vintage handwritten postcards, picture frames