By Jessica Davis, JTNews Correspondent
FenomenA, a new company dedicated to bringing international art and culture to Seattle, will present more than 60 works of Israeli fine art by 10 different artists, in its first show, running from March 11–21.
“Israel, so often at the center of world attention, provides an intriguing setting for artistic interpretation. We listen to news stories, engage in dialogue, and even visit the country itself, yet we lack a true understanding of the day-to-day Israeli experience,” says Ksenya Harmelin, FenomenA’s founder and president. “Artists offer us unique insight into the fabric of the society in which they live, expressing its essence through their work. At FenomenA, we embrace this notion of the artist as cultural ambassador, through art exhibitions and cultural events such as the Israeli Fine Art Exhibition and Gala.”
The show, at 2100 Fifth Ave., will run concurrently with the Seattle Jewish Film Festival, which will be showing some films at the Cinerama, across the street. It will feature works by a variety of artists, most of whom are making their Northwest premieres. The art pieces range in price from $100–$45,000.
“It’s a real diverse collection,” said curator Jill Steinberg. “They’re really fine works of art.”
A triptych titled “View of Jerusalem from the Supreme Court,” by Yemima Ergas Vroman, will be featured. It has been displayed at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
Elisa Auerbach will exhibit her black-and-white photographs of women at work in Jerusalem, Ethiopia and Russia. Her photographs were most recently shown in New York.
Dubrovsky will show her contemporary sculpture, “Beautiful Suicide.” It has also been shown in Germany and all over Israel. Also featured will be works by French artist Broidel who lives in Israel and makes layered oil paintings with ethereal effects.
Architect Yossi Veissid will have some of his meticulous pen-and-ink drawings of surreal buildings on display. New artist Nimrod Reuveni will exhibit his iron, human-size sculpture, “Lying Man.” Reuveni’s portraits, which are photo transfers on metal, will also be shown.
Four Latin-American artists who emigrated to Israel will also have their works on display in a room together. “All four artists are unique from each other stylistically,” says Steinberg. “They express themselves in very different ways.”
“I think artists dig deeper on an emotional level,” adds Harmelin.
For its March 11 opening, FenomenA will host a gala at its temporary exhibition space at 2100 Fifth Ave., starting at 8 p.m. Israeli food and wine will be served, Israeli music will be played and an art piece will be raffled off. Space is limited. Tickets are $25 at the door.
“[Opening night will] create this whole sensory experience of what Israel is really like,” said Harmelin.
The exhibition will run through March 21. Harmelin hopes to do an event such as this annually, with smaller shows in between.
“It’s been really great. It’s been eye-opening for me as well,” says Steinberg.
“There’s plenty of ideas to do in the future past this event,” adds Harmelin.
For more information, call 206-217-4630 or visit www.fenomena.us