New exhibition celebrates the 'Yoffi' of Israel - opinion

• Author: ARKADY MAYOFIS
• Published date: 13 October 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Over the past 50 years, more than 300 artists have made aliyah from the Soviet Union to Israel. Israelis call them "Russians," but in truth, they come from many different lands. The Soviet Union included in fact 15 large national republics, all of which were separate states, and each with its own art schools and educational institutions. Many of them were world-class institutions, responsible for accomplished artists with different styles and directions.

Representatives of these schools ended up in Israel as well, adopting a new homeland, and reflecting on their experience in their work. Many of them arrived in Israel as well-known, established artists but not all of them are professional.

We conceived the Yoffi shel Israel project as more than art. It is primarily about all of us who made aliyah – we, who radically changed our lives and fell in love with our new homeland. Our artists arrived at different times to Israel – some 35 years ago, while others came just a few months ago. Some speak Hebrew perfectly and others are just starting ulpan. Among them are children, people with special needs, doctors, diplomats, and even a 90-year-old brigadier general.

It is for this reason that we chose postcards – a forgotten genre – because the project is not only about art but about each of us and our personal connection and recognition of Israel. Each artist depicted his own impressions of Israel in colorful postcards, and then wrote something very personal and significant to a loved one on the reverse side. Therefore, the motto of our project is "I am writing to you from..."

The fact that these are postcards is very important to us. Postcards are easier to distribute around the world, and unlike paintings they do not need to hang on the wall. They weigh almost nothing and present a warm representation of Israel. Especially during this pandemic period of lockdowns, social distancing and limited travel, these...