Jewish News showcases next generation of artistic talent at JW3
The next generation of Jewish artistic talent will be showcased next week at an exhibition organised by UJS in partnership with the Jewish News and JW3.
The Way Things Look: Israel Through the Eyes of Young Jewish Artists sees seven talented students use their creativity to explore their identity and Israel. Their work will be showcased at JW3 next Thursday at a drinks reception including a speech by celebrated sculptor Jane McAdam Freud. Here, Sophie Eastaugh meets the artists behind this pioneering project
- Eli Gaventa
Age: 21. University of the Arts London: Photography. Exhibits: Photography
As an active member of Sinai Youth for five years, Eli was inspired by the work of the Madrichim. He began to photograph and interview them.
“I am always astounded by the dedication and capability that I have seen in madrichim. Their commitment to education has enabled moments of personal and religious inspiration for so many. I hope the series will raise the profile of these youth groups and enable them to continue to inspire and educate the youth of today.”
- Gilad Visotsky
Age: 28. Central Saint Martins: BA Graphic Design. Exhibits: Mixed media graphics
Gilad was born in Israel and raised on Kibbutz Hasolelim. He came to the UK after three years as a medic in the Israeli army; the inspiration behind his exhibit. His designs have been widely used by national charities, restaurants and in a video from Katy Perry’s latest album.
“I challenged myself to make a statement about Israel. I love Israel, and see it in very personal and intimate terms. It is hard to bring it up in conversation and avoid a contentious debate. I would rather avoid arguing over the political situation, so art is perhaps the best way to have a discussion.”
- Talia Rosenthal
Age: 21. London Metropolitan University: Graphic Design. Exhibits: Photography
Talia lived inBet Shemesh in Israel for two years and during her gap year volunteered in two hospitals; a dialysis ward in Netanya and a neonatal unit in Jerusalem.
“I want to change they way people perceive Israel, not as something the media shows us and also not as a huge hotel resort. I wanted to show in photographs what Israel means to me and explore two points of view: being a British citizen and an Israeli citizen.”
- Miranda Bud
Age: 19. University of Manchester: English literature and Italian. Exhibits: Painting
Miranda’ series of colourful canvases is inspired by Israel and stories from the Bible, incorporating Jewish symbols found in nature and everyday life.
“My artwork expresses the beauty and complexity of nature, which is something often over looked in our busy lives. Using Judaism and Israel as subjects has given me a lot of inspiration.”
- Leanne Mitchell
Age: 19. Middlesex University: Fashion Design. Exhibits: Textiles/Fashion
Leanne has produced a collection of four outfits with a deeper narrative than those purely created for aesthetic wear.
“The LED lights in the garments portray how Judaism and Israel shed light in the world. Each outfit has a series of zips: when open, they portray how Jewish people are so spread out and diverse; when closed, they show how Israel the homeland brings together.”
The outfits also explore the notion of modesty. “What some people perceive as modesty, others have a different viewpoint on.”
- Name: Aimee Rubensteen
Age: 24. Courtauld Institute of Art: MA History of Art. Exhibits: Photography
Aimee has created a series of photographic poems by juxtaposing images that capture patterns found in natural, everyday objects.
“My photographs reflect the way modern orthodoxy seems to be a more subtle social identifier. I hope that the photographs provoke the viewer to question the role of Jewish identity altogether. While living in London and during my traveling around Europe, I am continually questioned about my identity.”
- Samantha Henning
Samantha Henning’s photography looks at the role of community in building Israel
Age: 19. Arts University Bournemouth: Foundation in art and design. Exhibits: Photographic and mixed media installation
Samantha is inspired by technological advances and enjoys art that pushes the boundaries of what is ‘normal’. Her interactive installation of photographs looks at communal history, exploring the vital role community has played in building Israel.
“Art is a vital vehicle for engaging with themes within Judaism, and I feel is often neglected by Jewish students due to the lack of attention it receives in Jewish schools. The focus tends to be placed on more so-called ‘academic’ subjects.”
View the artists’ work at JW3 on Thursday 12 June from 7pm-9pm
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