Menashe Kadishman became famous for hundreds of portraits of sheep each one different from another. In “To the Trough (El HaShoket)” (check the link for more details) Menashe Kadishman depicted multicolored sheep at the watering hole. Probably, this artwork can be a reference to the first wide public appearances of the artist at the 1978 Venice Biennale. There Menashe Kadishman presented an actual flock of sheep and himself as shepherd. In particular, he painted animals in bright colors and described as a living art.
“To the trough” exhibited in Kings gallery is full of admiration for the nature and beauty of Israel. In the background we can distinguish silhouettes of sheep made with thin white lines evoking thoughts of the permanence and the shape of time. The figures seem to glow due to contrast contours. The desert shimmers with vivid tints, perhaps, it is the magical period of the desert bloom in the early spring. Water in the trough reflects sunshine.
Also,
the art of Kadishman is redolent with Biblical themes. Especially, the mentioned above relation between a shepherd and sheep is an important theme, as discussed more specifically in the blog “The Shepherd”.
Kadishman’s unique approach and spirit can be partly explained by artist’s belief: “art grows from feelings and not rational calculations alone.” He beautifully conveyed the motion and the harmony of natural forms in sculptures. For instance, “Bind” is a part of a project dedicated to the Sacrifice of Isaac. His metal artworks impress with their subtlety and streamlined black forms.
In addition, check our blog about “Angels” by Menashe Kadishman.
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.
