The Canadian architect and philanthropist David J. Azrieli is exhibiting his private collection at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The Azrieli collection started out in the 1970s as David Azrieli’s private art collection, but was mostly collected as the Azrieli Group collection. It holds approximately 350 works, mostly by 20th century. The exhibition is the first public presentation of this collection, which comprises mostly figurative works. The collection includes figurative works by 20th century Israeli artists as well as works by late 19th century Jewish artists. Israeli modernism as well as Diaspora Jews, local landscapes as well as synagogues. Opening Tuesday, 22 December 2009.
Artur Markowicz, “Chess Players”, 1926
Two apparently conflicting tenors inform the works – modernity and traditionalism. The exhibition gives expression to both: on the one hand it presents prevalent modernist themes, such as landscape, interior, or still-life painting` on the other hand it shows works with traditional themes, such as scenes from the life of Diaspora Jews, motherhood, music, or illustrations to literary works.
Arthur Markowicz and Anna Pasternak: The works in the collection depicting Chess and Backgammon players, extend from past to present, from life in the Diaspora to contemporary life in Israel.
Jankel Adler depicts still life tend to abstraction
Mordecai Ardon depicts a metaphysical celestial landscape composed of signs and symbols; the surface comprises harmonious color stains combined with painted lines and mythical motifs.
The collection includes among the artists: Avigdor Arikha, Eldar Farber, Aharon Halevi, Michael Kovner, Meir Pichadze, Mordecai Ardon, Nahum Gutman, Moshe Castel, Ofer Lellouche, Reuven Rubin, Mauricio Minkowski, Abel Pann, Yohanan Simon, Yosl Bergner. The works in the collection touch upon David Azrieli the collector – his existence as a Zionist; his past as a refugee; family man, lover of music, literature and nature.
www.tamuseum.com
