Artists picture how they are ‘fused’ to Israel

/ 1 Comment
HOI Curator Smadar Samson greets Jewish Historical Society Curator Laurel Schwartz and her husband Stanley
HOI Curator Smadar Samson greets Jewish Historical Society officers Stanley Schwartz and Laurel Schwartz (in left foreground)

 

By Helene Held

"Golda Meir " by S. Brett Kaufman, who explains: 'My Life' the autobiography by Golda Meir was the inspiration for this painting. In it, I try and equate the life of Golda Meir, with the birth of a land that was once dry and barren and is now green and fertile. The image is a combination of assemblage and collage: the dried, cracked ground being the assemblage, and the green fertile ground being the collage.
“Golda Meir ” by S. Brett Kaufman, who explains: ‘My Life’ the autobiography by Golda Meir was the inspiration for this painting. In it, I try and equate the life of Golda Meir, with the birth of a land that was once dry and barren and is now green and fertile. The image is a combination of assemblage and collage: the dried, cracked ground being the assemblage, and the green fertile ground being the collage.

SAN DIEGO — The House of Israel was hopping at the opening of a special art exhibit called “Fused” that will remain on exhibition through the summer.

Early in 2013, Smadar Samson, Curator of the House of Israel, put out a worldwide “Call to Artists. The artists were asked to submit art that reflected their compelling connection that ‘’fused’’ them to Israel.

The response was overwhelming. All year long, artists from around the world digitally submitted their works, which included paintings, watercolors, glasswork, collage, multimedia, sculpture and even poetry.   The cross-section of artists included Jews, Muslims, and Christians from Hungary, UK, Sudan, Sweden, Israel, US, Canada, Iran, Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and Russia. A selection process resulted in the digital exhibit which was seen by the public for the first time Sunday night, June 8, at the House of Israel.

Amnon Silberger, HOI Board President, expressing gratitude to the community for support that the House has enjoyed since its appearance in Balboa Park in 1948, and noted that “Fused” has allowed the HOI to increase its footprint beyond San Diego.  Samson described the collection as “a vibrant tapestry where the threads are made of different materials, different texture and of different quality, but in weaving it together we have created a tangible and visible statement about our connections to Israel.”

Jack Maizel, HOI Board VP, led  an enthusiastic countdown to the exhibit’s official launch. While some guests stood back and observed the art as it cycled  on the screen,  others used the touch of a fingertip to enlarge images, and read the artist’s statements describing the work.

Opening reception attendees included philanthropists Irwin and Joan Jacobs, longtime HOI supporters Luis Maizel and Dr. Arnold Flick, and Jewish Historical Society of San Diego officers Stan and Laurel Schwartz.  Several local participating artists also were able to attend including Becky Guttin and Toby Willner, as well as relatives and representatives of poets from Australia and Israel.

Guests were treated to Israeli beer and wine, Sabra liqueur, and of course the traditional bourekas, a warm puff pastry stuffed with savory spinach and cheese, which are also served during normal operating hours.

The “Fused” digital exhibit will be on display at the House of Israel throughout the summer, Sundays noon until 4:00 p.m. , and online at www.FusedArtIsrael.com.

*
Held is publicity chair for the House of Israel

1 thought on “Artists picture how they are ‘fused’ to Israel”

Comments are closed.