The Midrasha Takes Part in Fresh Paint: A Bold Platform for Emerging Israeli Artists

The 16th edition of the Fresh Paint art fair will open its doors on May 21 in Tel Aviv. A flagship event on the Israeli art scene, the fair has earned its place as the country’s most prominent artistic gathering. This year, special focus is being placed on the young talents emerging from the Midrasha – the Beit Berl School of Art – through a series of bold and original initiatives.

A Living, Experimental, Multidisciplinary Exhibition

Curated by artists Orly Sever and Uri Ben Natan, the Midrasha’s presentation within the fair will offer a unique creative space dedicated to the school’s recent graduates. This space will take the form of a rotating exhibition, featuring live installations, performances, and multidisciplinary works created in real time before the audience’s eyes.

Michal Gil will present a dance performance that blends body art and politics, incorporating the image of Benjamin Netanyahu. Noa Moatti will showcase virtual reality videos exploring an introspective fantasy: merging with herself. Erel Rosen will install a surveillance camera that captures visitors without their knowledge, later projecting a documentary that features the unsuspecting viewers themselves—blurring the line between spectator and subject. Finally, Roni Fixler will paint live, addressing themes of the male body and masculinity in his work.

The Greenhouse: A Launchpad for Recognition

Five graduates from the Midrasha have been selected to exhibit in the fair’s prestigious “Incubator” space. Reserved for emerging artists, this section serves as one of the leading springboards for launching an artistic career in Israel. This year’s selected artists are Liam Chambon, Liane Sharkia, Yuli Ildis, Orian Yacoubi, and Shahar Neuhaus.

The Midrasha School of Art is a leading institution for contemporary art education, renowned for its innovative, experimental, and critically engaged approach.

"Field": Training the Artists of Tomorrow

Alongside its participation in Fresh Paint, the Midrasha is launching an elite bachelor’s program titled Field, aimed at outstanding students. This program seeks to train committed, professional artists poised to make a significant impact on the contemporary art scene.

This collaboration between the Midrasha and the Fresh Paint fair reflects a new energy in the Israeli art scene. It provides young artists with crucial visibility and a space for experimental creation within the country’s most influential artistic event. By bridging the gap between art school and the professional world, the Midrasha reaffirms its role as an incubator for innovative and socially engaged talent.

The event will take place at Kremnitski 7, Tel Aviv, from May 21 to 26.

Caroline Haïat