Menashe Kadishman is a famous Israeli artist, who often challenged and surprised audiences. Particularly, he is best remembered as the sculptor and painter who created a great variety of sheep images in different styles. This bright artwork is full of special references. Lines resemble a rainbow, however with more diverse tints and original order. Moreover, light blue “covering” above the head could associate with tallit.
Rainbow
Interestingly, the symbol of rainbow has a very specific meaning in Judaism. It is the sign of the covenant between the God and the world, reminding that “there will never again be a flood to destroy all life” (Genesis, Noah). There is a discussion if the rainbow was visible before the Flood, or its nature changed. The flood purified the world in the sense that it gave man the ability to refine the material. After it the clouds became, probably, to be thinner, symbolizing the ability for human endeavor to purify the material world. The flood can be regarded not only as a punishment and destruction, but also as a blessing and presenting of a new step.
Please find the selection of artworks by Menashe Kadishman. The blog about a shepherd might be interesting. At the 1978 Venice Biennale the artist presented an actual flock of colored sheep and himself leaded it. Also, take a look at the post Horse by Menashe Kadishman and especially at “Horse With Bird”, all characters of it seem to be flying upward and jumping on a rainbow.
Kings Gallery is a leading fine art gallery established in Jerusalem in 1995. With over 20 years of experience, we strive to collect and sell the highest quality historic and contemporary Israeli and International art. The gallery specializes on artists from the early period of the 1920’s. We have a large variety of original works and lithographs by leading Jewish, Israeli, and international artists. In addition, Kings Gallery features leading up-and-coming young artists who will definitely be prominent names in the next few years.
