In Ziva Jelin’s painting “Curving Road,” the red color symbolizes the endurance of the Israeli Kibbutz Be’eri community, reflecting the emotional impact and violence experienced during a Hamas attack. Bearing shrapnel scars, the artwork stands as a historic testimony to survival and resilience, displayed in the Israel Museum.
What is the significance of Ziva Jelin’s painting “Curving Road”?
Ziva Jelin’s “Curving Road” transcends being mere artwork, symbolizing the endurance of the Israeli Kibbutz Be’eri community. Painted in red, the color now reflects the emotional impact and violence experienced during a Hamas attack on the kibbutz. The piece, bearing shrapnel scars, stands in the Israel Museum as a historic testimony to survival and resilience.
The Artistic Genesis and Emotional Resonance
The artwork entitled “Curving Road” by Ziva Jelin is not just a creation of brush and color but a witness to history and emotion. In the tranquility of the southern Israeli countryside, the moody landscape depicts a path leading to Kibbutz Be’eri, Ziva Jelin’s home. Painted in 2010, using red paint by happenstance, this choice now embodies a poignant symbolism.
The Day the Kibbutz Was Attacked
The calm of the countryside was shattered on October 7 when Hamas gunmen infiltrated the very road that Jelin had depicted. Their attack led to a tragic outcome, claiming lives and sparking a war in Gaza. This violence left its mark on “Curving Road” in the form of two white spots – scars from shrapnel on the otherwise red background. The painting, among others, bore the brunt of the assault, symbolizing the resilience of the community it represents.
From the Artist’s Perspective
“The red I painted with comes from a place of strong emotion, something that lights up the sky, that gives a strong impact,” Jelin shared, reflecting on her artwork’s newfound interpretation. Now, to the viewer’s eye, the red may evoke the blare of rocket sirens, the devastation of fires, the horror of massacres, and the bloodshed of war. Jelin acknowledges this perspective, although her original inspiration diverged from these associations.
A Dream Fulfilled, A Memory Preserved
It was a momentous occasion for Jelin to have her work displayed at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, one of Israel’s premier cultural institutions. The inclusion of her painting is a bittersweet recognition, brought about by the tragic circumstances surrounding the kibbutz and her artwork. The experience of hiding in a bomb shelter, the evacuation of survivors, and the subsequent military actions against Hamas in Gaza have left indelible impressions on both the artist and her creations.
An Artistic Response to Tragedy
Jelin, who once managed an art gallery in Be’eri, now dedicates herself to painting incessantly as a means of coping and responding to the attack. She sees her paintings as survivors, paralleling the endurance of the kibbutz’s residents. In her eyes, these artworks serve as a testament to the ordeal they collectively endured.
Beyond the Canvas
While Ziva Jelin’s “Curving Road” and her other paintings stand as a tribute to survival, they have also transformed into historical documents. The red hues, once an arbitrary choice, now resonate deeply with the shared experiences of the people of Be’eri and those who perceive the broader implications of the color.
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Lessons Learned
The story of Ziva Jelin’s artwork at the Israel Museum provides several lessons that can be learned from her experience.
1. The Power of Symbolism
Ziva Jelin’s painting “Curving Road” demonstrates the power of symbolism in art. The choice of using red paint, initially arbitrary, took on a profound meaning after the Hamas attack on the kibbutz. The red color now symbolizes the emotional impact and violence experienced during the attack, serving as a testament to the endurance and resilience of the community. This highlights the importance of symbols in art and how they can convey deep emotions and meaning.
2. Art as a Means of Coping and Healing
Ziva Jelin’s dedication to painting incessantly after the attack on the kibbutz shows the therapeutic power of art. By using her artwork as a means of coping and responding to the tragedy, Jelin finds solace and a way to express her emotions. This serves as a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for healing and processing traumatic experiences. It allows individuals to transform their pain into something meaningful and serves as a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit.
Overall, Ziva Jelin’s story teaches us about the significance of symbolism in art and the healing power of creativity in the face of tragedy. Her artwork stands as a reminder of the endurance and resilience of communities in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of art to preserve memories and convey deep emotions.
