From the Press Release:
Naïve art is characterized by a refreshing innocence and child-like perspective and scale. It portrays, in great detail, easily understandable and idealized scenes of everyday life. Naivism celebrates the human narrative, and hence is the Art World’s only timeless genre, stretching back to the days when early mankind depicted man in his manifold role of huntsman, herdsman and tiller of the soil, and continuing throughout the millennia unto the present day and beyond.
Israel is characterized by a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities and religions. The diversity of these influences, combined with the country’s unique history and geopolitical importance, has shaped its multifaceted narrative. Each of the naïve artists participating in this exhibition has a riveting story to share, molded by the artist’s origin, personal history and immediate surroundings. Their artworks overflow with “joie de vivre”, inspiration, imagination and humor, and a loving view of a young, free and blossoming land.
The broad scope of the works on display in this exhibition is quite remarkable. While Nira Lev nostalgically returns us to family life during the birth of our country; Aviva Sonsino endearingly recalls our land’s iconic sites; Jonathan Kis-Lev lovingly portrays Israel’s tranquil urban vistas; Tova Tzvik admiringly reflects upon the harmonic interaction between the Jewish and Arab communities; Avraham Kan captures the pulsating sights and sounds of contemporary Tel Aviv; Yitzhak (“Iki”) Buberman insightfully embraces the ebb and flow of “the City that Never Sleeps”; and Zoe Sever reminds us of the incredible country that Israel has become.
Far from the bustling city, we sense a deep love for the land and for life’s serene moments in the kibbutz settings of Tirza Horin-Karagula, the mossy meadows and glistening groves of Galia Ron, and the memorable, mosaic-like vignettes of Dvora Gutman.
Not only are we mesmerized by the dazzling color, energy, humor and beauty of these divine artworks, but we are invited to look more deeply and reflect upon the images being depicted, realizing that there may be more than what meets the eye in the fascinating interplay between indoor and outdoor scenes, with hints of mystery that may be lurking outside the frame.
We congratulate the Israeli naives participating in this enchanting exhibition. Their artworks have enriched our lives and souls and, in the process, have made the naïve world—and our world—a heart’s delight. Their paintings, whether or not they all find a place in our homes, have already found a place in our hearts.
