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
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
