Aleph-Bet - Sculptures

1997 – Ongoing series
“The World is Founded on the Alef-Bet”

I see the Hebrew letters as a metaphor for the Jewish people. The Hebrew alef-bet has been preserved for two thousand years like the skeleton of an ancient animal. These old bones were given a new life in the late 19th century, and re-awakened again as a language for everyday like in the mid 20th century. I see a conflict between those who resurrected these letters for the purpose of living today, and those who would put it in its ancient skin. For the last six years I have attempted to portray the 22 characters of the Hebrew alef-bet in its different visual facets.

When I left Israel in 1974, I was determined not to lose touch with my native Hebrew language. However, it was not until Rabin was assassinated in 1995 that the motivation for my current show struck me. I visited Israel and was deeply moved by a wall covered in graffiti-type slogans on the very spot where Rabin was killed. When I returned to New York, I built models of the Hebrew letters and began to explore their sculptural potential. By experimenting with the three-dimensionality of these letters, I have created sculptures that encompass current events as well as stories connected to Jewish mythology, and pieces that metaphorically represent the Jewish people.