Mary Ocher: Avant-Pop Artist on Politics, Weimar Parallels, and Her Departure from Israel
Avant-pop innovator Mary Ocher, born in Russia and raised in Israel, chose to move to Germany rather than serve in the IDF. With the release of her new album, "Weimar," she delves into themes of nationalism, artificial intelligence, and humanity's future, drawing inspiration from historical periods.
"Nineteen years ago, upon my arrival in Berlin, I sensed a resurgence of the Weimar era's spirit," Ocher explains, recalling the cultural vibrancy of Germany before the Nazi regime. However, she notes observing "the final phase of this remarkable period." Expressing concern, she adds, "Currently in Germany, there are attempts to deport EU citizens for participating in pro-Palestine demonstrations. From my perspective, it's quite alarming."
For Ocher, naming her latest album "Weimar" felt timely, aiming to highlight disturbing parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and contemporary society, viewed through her lens as an immigrant artist residing in Berlin.
For Ocher, political engagement in her art is not optional. A native of Moscow with Jewish-Ukrainian heritage, she holds Israeli citizenship and spent her formative years in Tel Aviv, where she encountered a fervent nationalism that deeply disturbed her.
Reflecting on her adolescence in Israel, the 39-year-old artist states, "I detested my surroundings entirely." She felt "a complete lack of accountability and any avenue for change." Ocher observed that immigrants to Israel often sought to assimilate, which entailed "refraining from criticism and actively embracing a mainstream narrative that propagates hatred."
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