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Israel: The spiritual art of Arik Weiss, between modernity and conservatism

Writer's picture: Caroline HaïatCaroline Haïat

Hanoukia
Hanoukia

For Arik Weiss, the glass of "Kiddush to go" replaces the "Coffee to go". This artist who has been living for years in Kfar Adumim in the West Bank offers a form of art that surprises as much as it fascinates. In his house that also serves as his studio, Arik has been able to imagine a very modern, even futuristic art that respects the codes of Judaism from which he draws inspiration. Specializing in conceptual art linked to the spiritual, to Israeliteness as he calls it and to Judaism, Arik transmits his way of living religion through his art. Hanukkah, mezuzot, necklaces, jewelry or even sculptures, he explores all facets of religion by creating unusual pieces. An offbeat art that proves "that God is everywhere where we don't expect him", he says. Arik developed his business in 2010 which allows him to live from his creations today. He works extensively from the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which are his main source of inspiration. Each work instinctively invites the viewer into his atypical universe.

Arik Weiss
Arik Weiss
"I feel like I received this gift of art as a gift and I want to share it with people because it warms their hearts. I manage to bring them closer to religion indirectly. I design works that go beyond the material, I have discovered a kind of truth through art that I manage to convey and that is what people generally attach themselves to, it attracts them even if they are not necessarily religious. I have exhibited in Israel, at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv, but also in the United States and I hope to make my art known in the rest of the world," Arik Weiss told Itonnews.


Arik has also exhibited at the Anu Museum in Tel Aviv, sculptures that are related to the body and body movements.


A passion for Hebrew letters


Arik claims to have always read between the lines and quickly looked into the symbolism of Hebrew letters, which are treasures in their own right for him. A perfectionist, he offers art revised to the nearest millimeter and works that convey subliminal messages.


"I try to convey the messages that I receive from the depths of my being. I mix letters with spirituality and I make them correspond to each other, I always give meaning to the letters and I intertwine them. Everything starts with the letters in reality, in the Torah as in my art, it is essential in my eyes," he affirms.



Arik makes jewelry from the letters, but also large-scale sculptures and he has even started creating a golden calf. It usually takes him between four and 12 hours to complete a work.



"I create menorahs, mezuzot and Passover plates that can be purchased at the Israel Museum gift shop in Jerusalem. My style is inspired by the presence of God, he is not only where we look for him in religious symbols, but everywhere in the smallest details of everyday life and my mission is to highlight him. It is his way of sending us messages, he speaks to us through situations, what happens to us are the actions of God," Arik concluded.




Arik is currently working on a book that will be released in August on his birthday, which will focus on literature and spirituality.


Arik's website : https://arikweiss.shop/


Caroline Haïat



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