Fine Arts
From the beginning of the
20th century, fine arts in Israel have shown a creative orientation
influenced by the encounter between East and West, as well as by the
Land itself and its development, the character of the cities and
stylistic trends emanating from art centers abroad. In painting,
sculpture, photography and other art forms, the country's varied
landscape is the protagonist: The hill terraces and ridges produce
special dynamics of line and shape; the foothills of the Negev, the
prevailing grayish-green vegetation and the clear luminous light
result in distinctive color effects; and the sea and sand affect
surfaces. On the whole, local landscapes, concerns and politics as
well as the very nature of Israeli existentialism lie at the center
of Israeli art and ensure its uniqueness.
Organized art activity in
the country began in 1906, the year Professor
Boris Schatz (1867-1932) arrived from Bulgaria and founded the Bezalel
Academy of Arts and Crafts in Jerusalem,
according to a plan approved at the 1905
Zionist Congress to encourage talented young Jews to study art in
the Land of Israel. By 1910, the school had 32 different departments,
a student body of 500 and a ready market for its works throughout the
Jewish world.
In addition to painters and
sculptors, the country's artistic life comprises a host of talented
craftspeople (ceramicists, silver- and goldsmiths, weavers,
calligraphers, glass blowers, etc.), many of whom specialize in
modern interpretations of traditional Jewish ceremonial objects.
Enthusiasm for art prevails
among people from all walks of life, as Israelis encourage and
support art activities by attending exhibits - from one-artist
retrospectives to comprehensive group shows at the country's many
museums and private galleries - by frequenting artists' quarters of Safad and Yafo or the artists' village of Ein Hod, and by purchasing the works of
local artists.
Sources: Israeli
Foreign Ministry |