30 Mar Art Journey Tel Aviv
Arriving in sunny vibrant Tel Aviv in March certainly awakens the energies after a long cold wintery Zurich. Thanks to my lovely friend Ruth and her husband who live in Tel Aviv again, I was introduced to many extraordinary and very talented artists plus a load of inside information on whats on in TVL. This is a thriving lively city with non-stop activities, a long stretch of beach, old and new ports, multi-cultural population and a must see place to visit.
My first day we went to the south of the city where I met Irit Tamari a photographer, known around the world for her most original and unusual photographic collages. Objects made of cut and fastened photographic prints. Her book – Finding – gives a complete bio of her detailed work. I was delighted to have had the opportunity of getting to know her.
After that we went to a contemporary gallery run by Revital Gal located in the same area – Inga Gallery, where we viewed a fascinating exhibition of oil paintings and sculptures by Eshel-Gershuni.
Further down the road we met Martha Rieger in her spacious studio. A ceramic artist well known for her huge Columbus Eggs which were exhibited at the Inga Gallery a couple of years ago. Her bubble egg installation, Oasis, which was exhibited in the old city of Beer Sheva. It was intriguing to learn about Martha and her porcelain ceramics, her residency in China and how it all began for her.
I visited the Benjamin Contemporary Ceramic Centre where I saw the Mekomi work of ceramic artist Irit Abba and Alon Gil.
Finally we visited the Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery where Daniel Tchetchik had a photographic exhibition together with Amira Ziyan. Both brilliant photographers. Amira Ziyan photographs are very impressive. Focusing on the dialogues of Druze women, but never showing a face. Freedom of the Forbidden. I hope that this exhibitions comes to Switzerland soon. Within the same building I was fortunate to meet Rina Peleg another incredible ceramic artist who has returned to Israel from New York. I had the opportunity of asking her about intriguing woven ceramic sculptures.
A tour of the Bauhaus area, White City, as it is called, was an eye opener and this guided free tour on a Saturday morning is a good starter tour of TVL. Our guide knew her city well. Besides pointing out the architecture she gave us great information on breakfast places and cafes to visit. TVL is known for its wonderful Israeli breakfasts, a place not to be missed is Benedicts on Rothchild Ave. Besides that TVL is filled with exciting and amazing restaurants. Santa Katherina a definite for anyone who is a foodie and wants to experience delicious local flavours. Eating out in TVA is never a disappointment, the choice is large the mix of Middle Eastern, Oriental and European is endless.