I get asked why did I decide to go back to study after a career as a multidisciplinary artist ?
I never stopped learning and improving my craft but after returning from Budapest which is bustling with artistic creativity, I felt disconnected from art and artists in Israel. The art scene in Israel is very competitive and seems to be dominated by a closed clique of self-appointed arbitrators of taste. My generation, for the most part, have made their artistic statements long ago and been supplanted by younger artists. I however was not done and so I sought a life line to art. But I preferred to find a more friendly space in a more supportive niche in which to participate.
Curation studies at the CCA
I felt that by going to study at the CCA a.k.a Kalisher would be a step in the right direction for me. First the CCA was affiliated with the “Seminar HaKibutzim” institute. It had fantastic teachers and attracted some amazing student.
During my studies I curated three exhibitions. Afterwards, for my final project, in March 2012, I curated a group exhibition titled “Mágia(r) Kocoka“. It featured works by an assortment international Video artist from Hungarian backgrounds.
After graduating I joined the “Givatayim and Ramat Gan Artist and Sculptor Organization” as their curator but I also helped to setup and run their website. and curated about 30 exhibition. Some were for single artists from the organization but there were larger exhibitions which featured art from groups of artist and took place at multiple venues at the same time.
Cultural confinement takes place when a curator imposes his own limits on an art exhibition, rather than asking an artist to set his limits.
Robert Smithson
By early 2014 I became disillusioned with the politics in the Artist and Sculptor Organization and I wanted greater autonomy to curate exhibitions of artist not affiliated with the organization. I had a good connection with Judit Reif the head librarian at Alon Library in Givatayim. Our shared vision for brining culture and appropriate audiences to the library grew into a co-operation. We renovated some of the space in the entrance which allowed hosting exhibitions in a larger space. I used this for the main works but I also used the rest of the library for many of the exhibitions. This allowed the visitors to the library to be immersed in the art while walking through the stacks. All in all I curated 15 exhibitions at the magical Beit Alon Gallery.
But all good thing come to an end. In this case the city downsized two libraries and the all the gallery space had to be used to hold their books. During this time transition, I met with Viki Vinger, chief administrator for Givatayim libraries for who suggested that I move my activity to another location. This his is how in 2015, I became the curator at the to Biet-Shahzar community center. The community center is active throughout the day, has a hall for Exhibitions and a ever changing audience of all ages. Since I started there I have curated about 10 exhibitions.
For a list of exhibitions which I curated click here.
Curator within the community
I work with artist from the community. This could be pensioners who have take art after their another career; it could be an artist who has recently completed art school; a group exhibit active in the neighbourhood or even an artist from a kibbutz who is unknown in the area. Or even very young.
I aim to have very diverse exhibitions. In the last six years I have curated both solo and group exhibitions. Subject and media have varied greatly. I curated exhibits of video art, comics, graphic design, fashion, jewelry, sculptures, drawing and of course painting. I’ve ‘worked with professional artist, both local and abroad and with very young artist still in school. This keeps me interested but also creates an air of expectation from the audience at the Gallery.
While an exhibition is a very significant event celebrating the artist and their work. As the curator I always keep the audience in mind. An overriding concern, is that there is going to be interesting exhibitions. The collection should make an artistic statement. I put lots of effort into making the opening Gala as memorable as possible and these are often burned in consciousness – bringing together performance.
An overview of my process
Behind the scenes I will meet the artist at home or at their studio and choose the most appropriate artworks. The criteria might be to fit the theme of the exhibit so that the whole becomes much greater than the sum of the parts.
Next, I will research the artist’s biography with a focus on artistic pursuits and education. I will use this information for a plaque at the Exhibition, in the media and press coverage and when introducing the artist at the Opening event.
If the artist is interested I will put together a catalogue of their work. Alternatively the artist might prefer a brochure. We also put together a price list for works on sale. We then reach to performers (singers, dancers and musicians) to create an artistic program for the opening gala for the exhibit. event. With all this I can now design an invitation for the event. I may do so myself or use a graphic designer.
Notable Exhibitions
- 2012 – Magiar cocka
- 2015 – ‘Paitings’ Barry Britzman – Beit Alon
- 2014 – ‘Images from the Book’ – Group – Beit Alon
- 2013 – ‘OnThis and That’ – Or Karina Ivgi – Ramat Gan
- 2013 – ‘Portrait – Community Festival’ – Group – Beit Yad Lebanim, Beit Rishonim, Beit Yad Lebanim, Gallery 5 Azrieli Mall, Eshkol Pais, Allon Gallery
Recent Exhibitions
You can see below some images and videos covering the most recent exhibitions. Sometimes an opening Gala comes together in an unexpected way. The collection may coincide with current events, creating a sensatsension of Zeitgeist (the spirit of the time). Or it could be that the performance surprises moves the audience deeply. Or the keynote speaker might offer deep insights into in the art or the artist’s life story. At one time we had an amazing spread put out by one of most senior artists and her friends, who all rose to the occasion. At an exhibit for a fashion designer an importue request resulted in several of the guest modeling her creation in an spontaneous fashion show. Another artist, an expert at japanese art, was so energised by the upcoming event that he composed and recorded a jazz concert which he premiered at the event. In yet another occasion the artist suddenly invited her zumba instructor to do a Zumba lesson. The crowd soon grew so large we had to commandeer the hall next door. Sometimes people and circumstance conspire to become something together! And perhaps we will change the reputation of Givatayim being just a “sleepy city”.
Landscapes and People
This solo exhibition opened at … and featured the works of the artist …
Talking Heads
To Be Continued
On the Way to Zikle
Optimistically
Jewelry
