3-A Gallery, CICA Museum
March 15 – 19, 2023
2023.03.15 – 19
A Blind Gaze
The exhibition “A Blind Gaze” is an attempt to capture and express a sense of uncertainty, detachment and blindness, as well as exploring the relation and tension between the gaze of the painting object and that of the viewer. The gaze, therefore, has a double meaning.
My figures have an uncertain gaze, whether their eyes are closed, or seem as if they are masked by a veil.
In my paintings I combine classical technique alongside abstract elements.
My themes include mostly images of female faces and figures, sometimes fashion models and sometimes ordinary any mythological or classical figures, but without people, identification features. I’m not interested in capturing or portraying a specific person, but rather depicting an idea of humanity in general.
I’m occupied with the idea of beauty. The construction of the image of “Beauty”, becomes a process of revealing and concealing, constructing and destructing throughout the act of painting, which is done by erasing, blurring, applying both soft and gross brushstrokes and by using a palette knife on canvas. My canvas appears as an archeological platform which unveils and veils, thus expressing the passage of time. The struggle between control vs accidental gestures is also present in my work, as the occupation with death and declining. That way I aim to challenge the representation of feminine beauty imagery specifically but I’m also inquiring about the theme of beauty and ugliness in art in general and the degeneration and fading of beauty.
An object of beauty is an object to be looked at, yet, I aim to reflect the opposite of being seen and unseen. To see or not to see.
Shimrit Yariv was born in Jerusalem, Israel. She is a BA graduate in art history and philosophy from the Hebrew University and she also studied at Bezalel Academy Of Art and Design. Yariv’s work focuses mainly on the human portrait and form. Her figures convey beauty, pain and sensuality.
Yariv has exhibited several solo exhibitions in various established places including the “Riverside Art Museum” in Riverside, California, The Jerusalem Artists’ House, The Association Of Plastic Artists, Tel-Aviv, Nora Gallery, Ella Gallery in Jerusalem and Art Space gallery in Tel-Aviv /Jaffa.
She has also participated in many group exhibitions in the USA, Europe and Israel, as well as in several auctions. Her works are in private collections. She resides and works in Jerusalem.
