Art World for Israel - Newsletter #3

IN THIS ISSUE

A SPECIAL PESACH EDITION

THE HOLIDAY REPRESENTED IN ART

A LOOK AT THEMES OF PESACH IN ART THROUGH THE AGES

PASSOVER, BUT MAKE IT FASHION A STUNNING SEDER BY SUSAN ALEXANDRA

PLUS

EXHIBITIONS

ADAM LEEF'S SOLO EXHIBITION OPENS AT SOMA

GALERIA, BRAZIL AND ALEJANDRO GLATT'S PAPAYAS WENT TO THE LOUVRE

ARTIST FEATURE

PAINTER YOSEPH DOUER ON THE ART OF JEWISH JOY

PAINTING GOES CENTER STAGE

ARTIST LIBBY KLEIN'S PAINTED POINTE SHOES ARE AUCTIONED TO SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF BALLET SUPERSTARS

SOCIAL PRACTICE

ARTIST JAC LAHAV TEACHES FOSTER CHILDREN

HOW TO HAVE A SMASH IN AN ART GALLERY

EVENTS

THE EMUNAH OMANUT EVENT ILLUMINATES

MIAMI'S IRONSIDE GLASSBOX

PHILANTHROPY

ART4CAUSES HOSTS EVENTS IN MIAMI IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED HATZALAH ORGANIZATION

HOLIDAYS: PESACH IN ART

MOSHE CASTEL, PASSOVER SEDER, 1949, OIL ON CANVAS

ART MIRRORS LIFE: THEMES OF PESACH IN ART THROUGH THE AGES

On the occasion of Passover, we share a diverse collection of Pesach-themed art. Special thanks to Judaica brand Via Maris for introducing us to these works on their beautifully curated Instagram.

Moshe Castel’s painted his vibrant Passover Seder in 1949. A celebrated Israeli artist, Castel is known for his depictions of Jewish daily life. Here, we see a family seated around the Seder table, under the lit chandelier, (or the eternal light), with the image of the Temple in the background. A bird flying towards the Holy site suggests hope for future generations and gives a glimpse into Castel’s affinity towards ancient Jewish tradition and language.

Words in Hebrew written on the bottom corner of the canvas reaffirm the message behind the holiday: Remember our ancestors and retell the story of Passover.

MOSHE CASTEL AT BELOOSESKY GALLERY.

JERUSALEM POST ON ISRAELI MODERNISTS.

HOLIDAYS: PESACH IN ART

MARC CHAGALL'S SEDER

Marc Chagall, born Moyshe Segal, was admired by the Surrealists and was considered one of the defining artists of European Modernism. The Passover Seder depicts a traditional scene of a family gathered around the table to celebrate the Holiday. Bright colors are

MARC CHAGALL, THE PASSOVER SEDER, 1970S

used to symbolize Spring, renewal and freedom. As the elder looks down at the Haggadah holding one of his fingers up, he retells the story of liberation.

HERE ARE 10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT CHAGALL.

HOLIDAYS: PESACH IN ART

MIAMI'S 1970 GOLDEN AGE SEDER SCENE

Andy Sweet, a Miami Beach based photographer active in late 1970s, focused on capturing the senior Jewish community of South Beach, Florida, creating a significant body of work that now serves as a historical archive of a period often overlooked in Miami's cultural scene.

This image is from his body of work, Shtetl in the Sun: Andy Sweet’s South Beach 1977-1980.

Sweet died an untimely death at the age of twenty nine in 1982.

TO PURCHASE A COPY OF THIS ICONIC PHOTOJOURNAL VISIT HERE.

HOLIDAYS: PESACH IN ART

RECORDING SACRED MEMORY

“I became a photographer because I have no memory. Photography allows me to reconstruct the family albums I never had, the missing images becoming the engine of my research. My contact sheets are my personal diary."

Patrick Zachmann

French Magnum photographer Patrick Zachmann spent over four decades creating long-term photography and film projects that delved into themes of memory, identity, and immigration. His highly regarded images cover subjects such as the Chinese Diaspora, Jewish identity, as well as migrant issues in Marseilles, constantly challenging himself through experimentation with various techniques and formats.

FOR A PROFILE ON THE ARTIST VISIT HERE.

HOLIDAYS: PESACH IN ART

CELEBRATION, PAIN AND HUMOR

Los Angeles based painter Joel Mesler sheds light on universal themes by filtering them through autobiography, humor, self-deprecation and surprising compositional juxtapositions. Childhood memories fuel meditations on design and popular iconography, while exploring the fluid nature of the painting process. Mesler incorporates motifs that provide foundations for each composition as he experiments with elaborate ways of rendering typography.

JOEL MESLER, LET MY PEOPLE GO, ACRYLIC ON LINEN 2023

Let My People Go (above), is especially timely this holiday, with text that resonates in both biblical and contemporary contexts.

VISIT DAVID KORDANSKY GALLERY HERE TO LEARN ABOUT THE ARTIST AND TO VIEW AVAILABLE WORKS.

HOLIDAYS: A FASHION FORWARD SEDER

KNEIDLACH FEATURED IN VOGUE? SUSAN ALEXANDRA MADE IT POSSIBLE...

Read Vogue's article, "In Tribeca, Susan Alexandra Hosts an Inclusive Passover Seder With the Jewish Food Society" HERE.

EXHIBITIONS

ADAM

LEEF'S SOLO EXHIBITION OPENS AT SOMA GALERIA, BRAZIL

Adam Leef’s new solo exhibition, Mediterranean Tide, opens on May 3May 20 at SOMA Galeria in Curitiba, Brazil.

Curated by Fernanda Tockus, the show includes three series of paper works, threading a line between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

The exhibition is dedicated in loving memory of David Gritz, Maayan Idan, and Vivian Silver.

LEARN ABOUT ADAM LEEF'S PRACTICE HERE.

LEARN ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS OF LEEF'S DEDICATION HERE.

“On a more personal note, it is impossible to explain what the last six months have been like, and perhaps the time to share will arrive after more peaceful times will hopefully come for us all. At this moment I can say that I have never felt more strongly about the importance of individual artistic freedom and freedom of speech, and how important it is for people who are witnessing reality up close, from all sides, to be a part of the international discourse.”

Adam Leef, 2024

EXHIBITIONS

FROM THE MOON TO PARIS

The moon wasn’t enough for Mexican artist Alejandro Glatt, so he sent his famous Papayas to the Louvre too! Papayas to the Louvre took place in Paris from April 5–7, 2024.

Glatt was represented by the Soul of Mexico Gallery at Booth A8 in the Carrousel du Louvre, sharing space with 14 galleries from 10 different countries.

Papayas to the Moon, in which Glatt sent an old papaya to the moon, launched on February 14 2024 as part NASA and SpaceX's Nova-C IM-1 space mission. Glatt was one of 222 artists selected for the project.

WATCH PAPAYA IN THE LOUVRE TEASER HERE.

WATCH PAPAYAS TO THE MOON TEASER HERE.

ARTIST FEATURE

PURE JEWISH JOY ON CANVAS

Yoseph Douer, a Jewish scholar and artist based in Jerusalem paints at night and studies Torah by day. Immersing himself in philosophy, psychology, and anatomy, his dedication to Torah and academics fuels his paintings. They are infused with themes of religion, joy, philosophy, and the dual nature of the human condition.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOSEPH DOUER HERE.

VIEW DOUER'S WORK AT ROSEBACH GALLERY HERE.

"My art serves as a portal into the Jewish world, offering an intimate glimpse into our culture, history and soul."

DANCE + THEATRE

IF THE SHOE FITS, PAINT IT

The non-profit Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) celebrated their 25th Anniversary at Lincoln Center featuring the next generation of ballet superstars.

YAGP's longtime Creative Chair Marcella Hymowitz tapped leaders in fashion to put a spin on 25 pairs of pointe shoes for the Pointe Project auction.

Israeli artist Libby Klein on her shoes: “Each brushstroke...is a testament to community and the legacies we build, painted with love and the resilience that unites us."

READ VOGUE'S EVENT COVERAGE FEATURING LIBBY KLEIN HERE.

WATCH LIBBY KLEIN’S TOE SHOE TRAILER HERE.

READ “BALLET SLIPPERS FOR THE YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX: CAROLINA HERRERA, THE ROW, ALICE+OLIVIA & MORE” HERE.

READ "WEAVING HERITAGE AND HOPE: A CONVERSATION WITH JEWISH ARTIST LIBBY KLEIN" HERE.

SOCIAL PRACTICE

SMASHING PAINTINGS

Since 2002, artist Jac Lahav has replaced one of his exhibition paintings with a "sleeper painting,"– that is, a paper mache painting filled with candy.

Lahav is a foster parent and invites foster children to participate in his interactive shows, smashing the piece of art in which he recreates a pinata-like experience and brings joy to kids. The children are also included in a conversation about gallery/museum rules, what it means to get consent from artists, the history of pinatas, and what "iconoclasm" means.

Lahav's project aims to create a fun and inclusive museum experience for children.

LEARN ABOUT JAC LAHAV'S STUDIO AND SOCIAL PRACTICE HERE.

POETRY

A SPREAD FROM A FORTHCOMING LIMITED EDITION POETRY PROJECT BY VERKLEMPT!

THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE THROUGH POETRY

Ein Milim, a special Verklempt! project contemplating the Jewish experience since October 7th, is now available for pre-order now.

Ein Milim comes in English and Hebrew iterations, each featuring its own set of six poems written since October 7th, published in their original language.

Each pamphlet folds out into a limited edition poster, designed by Neil Cohen (for the Hebrew volume) and Eitan Gutenmacher (for the English volume). All profits from Ein Milim are donated to

Israeli Children’s Fund (ICF) to support children who have lost a parent during the October 7th massacre.

Features from: YONIL, Sam Griffin, Gali Sharf, Neil Cohen, Eitan Gutenmacher.

LEARN ABOUT HAVURAH HERE.

ORDER EIN MILIM HERE.

FOLLOW VERKLEMPT! ON INSTAGRAM HERE.

EMUNAH OMANUT HOSTS CELEBRATION AT THE IRONSIDE GLASSBOX, MIAMI

The Emunah Omanut event, a profound celebration of Jewish artistry and collective spirit, illuminated the Ironside Glassbox in Miami on the eve of April 17.

The showcase featured an exhibition, artist panel, art auction and collective prayers for hostages and soldiers, featuring works of esteemed Jewish artists including Alejandro Glatt, Chaya

Toron, Isabella Green, Alexa Moualvi, Monica Czukerberg, Jenna Galbut, and Joseph Maltz, each contributing their unique perspective of Jewish identity and spirituality through art.

LEARN ABOUT EMUNAH OMANUT HERE.

PHILANTHROPY

ART FOR A CAUSE

Miami, FL ., April 21, 2024 - Art4Causes, founded by Kate Kabissky and cofounded by Ilana Lowenstein, alongside Ada De Silva and Elina Statkus, hosted two nights of philanthropic art events on April 17 and April 18, supporting the United Hatzalah organization.

The festivities commenced with an exclusive VIP Dinner on April 17 at an oceanfront private residence in Bay Point, Miami. Hosted by renowned

Casadonna chef Johanna Castillo Torres and meticulously designed by Tom Sol from Casa Del Sol Event Agency, the evening was a harmonious blend of art and elegance. Distinguished art collectors and special guests were treated to a curated experience with a scenic waterfront setting generously donated by L&L International.

LEARN ABOUT ART4CAUSES HERE.

PHILANTHROPY - ART4CAUSES CONT

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