Rebbe artwork takes pride of place in Barcelona Metro

A temporary art exhibition in Barcelona Metro features artwork by a British artist living in Ra’anana, Israel.

From June 15 to June 28, the Passeig de Gràcia station hosts The Art Tunnel, a temporary exhibition of billboard art by 837 artists from across 38 countries which temporarily replaces the advertising spaces.

Included is a vibrant and colourful depiction of the Lubuvitcher Rebbe, by Michelle Levy who made aliyah seventeen years ago from Hendon and specialises in vibrant Judaic and Israel themed art.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, was a prominent Hasidic rabbi who led the Chabad-Lubavitch movement from 1951 until his death in 1994. His teachings and philosophy have had a profound influence on millions of people worldwide.

Levy’s artwork features the Rebbe surrounded by images of people performing mitzvot, (commandments) including a girl lighting Shabbat candles, two men wearing Tefillin and an image of 770, the numerical value of the Messiah.

She says that one of the Rebbe’s quotes, “We must not only illuminate our homes, but also the outside, and the world” served as her inspiration for the project.

“It speaks to the idea that our responsibility to bring light and positivity extends beyond our personal spaces and into the world at large. This concept felt particularly relevant in the context of the metro, a public space that is shared by people from all walks of life.

She continues: “My colourful and joy filled artwork of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was designed to capture his essence and the inspiring ways in which he has helped and
encouraged people to connect around the globe. The Rebbe’s image, displayed in this exhibition, serves as a beacon of light in the underground tunnels of the metro, reminding us of our collective responsibility to illuminate the world with kindness, love, understanding, and compassion.”

The Art Tunnel is an initiative of Expometro, a platform that aims to make art accessible to everyone is the brainchild behind The Art Tunnel. Barcelona is its 9th incarnation, after pop-ups in  Paris, London, Berlin, Monaco, New York City, Los Angeles and Miami Beach.

To see more of Michelle’s artwork, click here.