COEXIST

The Museum on the Seam is

“a unique museum in Israel, displaying contemporary art that deals with different aspects of the socio-political reality. Through the works of artists from Israel and abroad, who respond to the stress and tension between and within groups, the museum invites the visitors to examine the degree of influence of the social environment on the individual and vice versa. The message of the museum calls for listening and discussion, for accepting the other and those different from us and for respect to our fellow man and his liberty” (Museum on the Seam, 1999).

The museum hosts many exhibitions that deal with issues of human rights alongside their main coexistence exhibition. After visiting several times I find the work has a strong impact. Dealing with these issues is always difficult but I feel that the graphic design portrays strong messages and poses questions to the viewer. However the Museum on the Seam mainly deals with issues that apply globally and not specifically to Israel.

These are some of the most famous images found in the Museum. They are simple yet effective.

In Canpbell's Soup Can

I went to see an exhibition of Celebrity Portraits From The Andy Warhol Factory at the Tel Aviv Museum of Arts. I particularly enjoyed Carl Fisher's piece of Andy Warhol in the famous Campbell's Soup can. I later discovered that this was done before Photoshop was invented and therefore is an ingenious piece of art.

In the same exhibition was Mick Jagger, 1970, photographed by Gerald Malanga. Malanga worked very closely with Warhol during the mid-sixties. This particular image is one of his most famous photographs and is internationally recognized. Having grown up in a Household who idolizes Mick Jagger I feel this iconic picture conveys the genius photographer that Malanga is.

Silence Over The Abyss

The librarian at The Tel Aviv Museum recommended that I look at the following 2 artists: Miki Kratsman & David Reeb who were both contributors to this project which look at the silence of the Israeli public in face of Oppression. Miki Kratsman is a photographer and photojournalist who's imagery comes from the occupied territories as from within Israel. Her powerful scenes reflect impossible conflict and human conditions.

Combat 2008, Israel, 2008, is just one example of how his images relay morality and courage. He is definitely an artist which I find inspiring and I'm going to be exploring more of his work this year.

Ziv Koren

Ziv Koren is a famous Israeli PhotoJournalist for over 15 years. His photographs are of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. I recently picked up his book 'Louai Mer'i, A Sergeant Is Going Home', which is a photographic documentary of a wounded soldier who has lost both his legs. This project shows the world about those thousands of people who are living with the result of conflict. Ziv Koren touches on many sociological and political issues such as the Separation Wall in Jerusalem, Immigrants being forced to sell there bodies, war & conflict.

The photographs convey a powerful and moving message and each one tells its own little story. I am looking forward to researching more of his work.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Whilst on Holiday in Tel Aviv I took the opportunity to visit the Museum of Art. The galleries were varied and jam-packed. The Museum had a modern feel and the sloping walkways connected the different exhibitions. You could find anything from Picasso to ancient Jewish art to acrylic collages on calendars to Andy Warhol photography. There was defiantly something for everyone.

The Helena Rubinstein Art Library was fascinating. The women running it were charming and very helpful. On mentioning my Dissertation topic a mountain of books were presented to me. I discovered some very interesting Israeli Artists and a will definitely be making a return visit.

Happy 100th Birthday

This is the official logo to celebrate Tel Aviv's 100th Birthday. "Erupting Centre", which was designed by Baruch Naeh. This logo gives off the energy vibe which is so dominant in the 'city that never sleeps'. The use of geometric shapes is symbolic to the Bauhaus architecture which is frequently found in Tel Aviv. The use of the circle for me symbols the unity which is being strived for. The use of English as well as Hebrew reflects the large population who flood to Israel from around the world. A successful celebratory logo!

There Are No Labels

This advertisement for Absolut Vodka was plastered around Tel Aviv. As well as being cocky I found it quite ironic that it is advertising a more expensive brand of vodka when its message is that in a utopia brands/labels don't matter. However the use the Absolut font and the wording make it a huge success.