The Kiss by Menashe Kadishman instantly grabs your attention. Two white doves soar across the center of the canvas.
About the Artist
Menashe Kadishman (1932–2015) emerged as a leading Israeli sculptor and painter who blended personal experience with universal themes. Born on 21 August 1932 in Tel Aviv during the British Mandate period, he grew up in an artistic household: his mother Bilha taught and painted, while his father Ben-Zion worked as a sculptor. When his father died in 1947, the fifteen-year-old Kadishman left school to support the family. He began formal training at the Avni Institute in Tel Aviv (1947–1950) under Moshe Sternschuss and Aharon Avni, then continued with Rudi Lehmann in Jerusalem in 1954.
After serving in the Nahal infantry brigade, he spent three formative years as a shepherd on Kibbutz Ma’ayan Baruch. That direct contact with nature and animals later defined his signature motif. In 1959 he moved to London, where he studied at Saint Martin’s School of Art and the Slade School of Art, training alongside Anthony Caro and Reg Butler. He held his first solo exhibition at London’s Grosvenor Gallery in 1965 and returned permanently to Israel in 1972.
Kadishman received major recognition, including the 1995 Israel Prize for Sculpture. Moreover, he represented Israel at the 1978 Venice Biennale with a flock of live sheep whose wool he dyed in bright colours—an unforgettable performance that turned living animals into art.
Colors
First, the colors burst with life. Menashe Kadishman paints a warm orange background that melts into sunny yellow and fiery red. These vibrant tones create energy and passion. At the same time, cool blue and green brushstrokes cut through the scene. They bring freshness and perfect balance. As a result, the whole painting feels alive, joyful, and full of movement.
Doves
Next, the doves become the true stars. Pure white birds stand out boldly against the hot background. Red outlines trace their wings and bodies. This strong contrast makes them glow with light. Yet their meaning runs much deeper. Doves are a powerful biblical symbol. In the Bible, a dove carries an olive branch to Noah after the flood. It stands for peace, hope, and new beginnings. Menashe Kadishman turns this ancient symbol into a modern message of love and harmony.
Moreover, the dove motif links directly to other famous artists. Pablo Picasso created his iconic white dove as a universal symbol of peace. That image traveled around the world. Kadishman builds on this tradition with his own fresh energy. He shows two doves gently wrapping their wings around each other. They float in pure affection. Therefore, The Kiss feels both timeless and completely new.
In addition, the artist’s bold brushstrokes add wonderful texture. Every energetic mark is visible on the canvas. The doves look almost real, while the background stays beautifully abstract. This perfect mix of realism and expression pulls you right in. You feel calm and excited at the same moment.
If you search for Menashe Kadishman art, dove paintings, biblical symbolism in modern art, or Israeli artist originals, this work stands out. It blends classic symbolism with explosive color. The Kiss leaves a deep, unforgettable impression. Discover it today and bring real harmony into your life.
Our gallery
This acrylic on canvas is currently offered by Kings Gallery Jerusalem. Kings Gallery is a leading fine art gallery established in Jerusalem in 1995. We strive to collect and sell the highest quality historic and contemporary Israeli and International art. The gallery specializes primarily in artists from the early period of the 1920’s. Besides, Kings Gallery features leading up-and-coming young artists who will definitely be prominent names in the next few years.
