As the 2017 Jerusalem Biennale comes to a close, we (IFAF) reflect on the diverse artwork that we saw in Jerusalem. One collection of works that we continue to talk about is Vessels. The series of contemporary sculpture works by artist Ofer Grunwald examined the relationship between spirituality and control when religious objects are placed in
Moran Kliger - Untitled In the 2017 Jerusalem Biennale, the exhibition What is Up What is Down examines man’s fascination with the relationship (or division) between Heaven and Earth. Curated by Gabi Yair and Bitya Rosenak, the artwork is a commentary on how man finds his place in this complex subject. There is sharp division,
In “A Cloud Took Him Out of Their Sight” shades of blue create a form that is rising. It is like a totem of light scattering the dark. The figure is soft, and its surroundings are jagged as the light is pulling him away from some deep blue place. The effect takes the viewer between—near
Refraction Phil Irish has continually explored spirituality and the human relationship with natural spaces since 2004. Mixed media, oil paint on panels, and digital elements in each of his exhibitions evolved into Trashing Mountains in 2014. This ongoing project conveys the immense presence of nature, as well as the weight and depth of its modification.
Secret Place Lael Burns’ artwork is delicate dance. The murky, fleshy shapes and celestial glitter bodies tell a story of opposites that interact. It is a painful struggle. Within the intricacy of this exchange, of these gruesome and pleasing elements, there is beauty. “Making art has always been a way for me to process life
"I Will Go Up" In Matti Sirvio’s paintings there is time and space, the movement of the soul. His paintings simultaneously celebrate the felt senses, the beauty in life, and the nature of a spiritual existence. “I think that colors and their composition are the key to all visual communication. I love connecting them, experimenting
I could feel the weight of the velvet, of the rich details, through the glass. The embroidery caught the light like thousands of flecks of gold. It was difficult to imagine the long, labored work (of perhaps more than one set of hands) discarded to be thrown away or destroyed. This garment is a just
International Fine Art Fund artist and Board member Hilary White has partnered with Ignite Refuge and Partnership for Strong Families to create the Made New Arts Program. The program provides creative expression for children in the foster care system. Classes are taught by local artists and supplies come from donations. White, who is based
Mantle of Iniquities Found objects are what Marianne Lettieri calls, “physical evidence of human preoccupation and temporality.” This speaks to the artist’s twenty-two years spent in the world of dance and choreography merged with her pursuit of fine art. Pieces of Lettieri’s sculptures are haunted by their past connection to a human being, like the
The Bowden Collection is curated by Sandra Bowden. The fine artist and collector works out of her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She began creating work inspired by her Christian faith early in her life. Her work can be seen in various museums, including the Vatican Museum of Contemporary Religious Art and the Cincinnati Museum.
