Viewing spirituality
G-d Created The Perfect World.
Uri Rosenbach
Trees and vegetation did not yet grow because G-d“…had not brought rain upon the earth….” (Genesis 2:5). There was no one to recognize the benefit of rain. Adam, upon his creation, understood the need and prayed for rain. Prayer is universal.
Prayer emanates from one’s heart. One who prays draws closer to G-d and strengthens the understanding and reality of G-d. Prayer affects the spiritual, non-bound by time, which in turn affects the physical. The boundaries between the spiritual and the material would appear to be insurmountable, yet through prayer, spiritual doors open, and these boundaries are traversed. Darkness becomes light. That which was previously unfathomable becomes comprehendible. Prayer connects to The Source which is beyond our vision and actuality.
In the Tefilin Series, these doors may take the form of a square or a rectangle, containing light within light referencing the physical contained within the spiritual. It is the past contained within the present influencing the future; the observer experiences a changing passage of time, connecting to the artist’s interpretation of the calling out of actual motion and change through a window of the mind, heart and soul and its perspective of “viewing spirituality”.
Sanchez’s use of iridescent paint demonstrates the appearing and disappearing emanation of history. At times reality is comprehensible; at others, one searches for an understanding. The connection of what can and can not be seen in the immediate is the reference to the world’s ethereal beauty. This is G-d’s Creation. Freedom, in the mind of the artist is the ability to search beyond one’s self and to connect with and internalize that which is beyond.
Jewish prayer, as depicted in this series, opens doors. It connects to the past and the future; to the Holy Temple that was destroyed and to that for which we so long—the Rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the End of Days. The Midrash teaches us that there are ten different expressions of prayer. These ten names for prayer are parallel to the “ten depths of the heart”. As one delves deeper into one’s heart and soul, a deeper expression of prayer is achieved.
The central element of this series comprises ten unique paintings, each representing a level of prayer. The number ten is most significant. “The world was created through ten utterances... There were ten generations from Adam to Noah… and ten generations from Noah to Abraham… G-d brought ten plagues on the Egyptians... There were ten Miracles in the Holy Temple..." (from Pirkei Avot 5).
The viewer partakes in a mystical journey and explores what may or may not exist. Perhaps it can be seen in the current of changing light. Or perhaps an additional journey may be necessary.
The Midrash teaches us that there are ten different expressions of prayer. As one delves deeper into one’s heart and soul, a deeper expression of prayer is achieved.
The most basic form of prayer is Shav’ah, a burning desire of Prayer. In the painting titled “A longing for G-d”, the artist creates a somewhat simplified composition depicting a rectangular window from which a spiritual light emanates. The light bursting forth may be the the light and spirit in one’s heart and mind (tefillin) or perhaps a window from the Beit Hamikdash from which the entire world received its spiritual light.
A longing for G-d, Prayer I (Shav’ah) , 2023 oil on canvas 140 x 110 cm (55 x 43 in. )
2023
The artist depicts the formation of feelings as we peek into our depths through the windows to see the evolution of thoughts and matter. A rolling hill, or perhaps a calming wave, sets the foundation. The Heavens, as represented by splashes of ultramarine, are attainable; Prayer reaches utmost heights . The future is bright.
From the depths of one’s heart, a wordless expression evolves. At times it may be difficult to express in words or thoughts one’s innermost feelings and desires, yet the emotions burst forth like a scream (Tze’aka).
Expression of an Internal Desire, Prayer II (Tze’aka) , 2023 oil on canvas 140 x 110 cm (55 x 43 in.)
2023 ,)הקעצ(
From a deeper level of one’s heart, evolves an even deeper expression. One cries out to G-d to answer our prayers (Ne’akah)
A wall (Wall of Jerusalem?), maybe a boundary or a passageway. An ultramarine splash--the internalizing of the spiritual--flows from the inner unknown searching for Truth. The Hidden Light shines through the window-like square illuminating the world with renewed hope.
A Deeper Level, Prayer III (Ne’akah) , 2023 oil on canvas 140 x 110 cm (55 x 43 in.)
2023
A Song of Praise raises one closer to G-d. No longer is there a boundary wall to traverse. A Sea of Abundance flows through windows of the heart as they open in a rhythmic melody. Joyful colors; peaceful splash of light or water. Revealing a small window of Heaven. Rina (a song of Praise) is a higher level of Praise to our Creator
A Song of Praise, Prayer IV (Rina) , 2023 oil on canvas
130 x 110 cm (51 x 43 in.)
2023
As one becomes uplifted, the appeared boundaries become less distinctive. The spiritual windows become larger. The world is higher. The Tree of Life is glowing.
Pegi’ah (entreating) represents a new level of prayer— requesting from G-d our needs.
A New Level, Prayer V (Pegi’ah) , 2023 oil on canvas
130 x 110 cm (51 x 43 in.)
2023
The world is not perfect. The deep connection to G-d is depicted by the larger windows and seemingly closer imagery. The distance between Heavens and Earth has diminished. No longer is one concerned.
Bitzur (calling out in distress), brings one closer to G-d. It represents the deep connection between the one who prays and G-d.
The Deep Connection, Prayer VI (Bitzur) , 2023 oil on canvas
100 x 80 cm (39 x 31 in.)
2023
A majestic blue quill, as if waiting to write Holy texts, anchors the painting. A building or tefillin or the Holy Temple strengthens one’s connection. Through the windows one can observe the perfectly beautiful world.
Keri’ah (calling to G-d), This connection approaches perfection through one’s calling to G-d.
Approaching Perfection, Prayer VII (Keri’ah) , 2023
oil on canvas
130 x 110 cm (51 x 43 in.)
2023
The majestic blue quill floats as if in search. Doors open. Through windows one observes the unobservable and incomprehensible.
Nipul (throwing oneself down). Upon reaching a level of prayer whereby one is optimally connected to G-d, we realize our own insignificance in relation to Our Creator.
Prayer VIII (Nipul) , 2023
Insignificance,
oil on canvas
140 x 110 cm (55 x 43 in.)
2023
The majestic blue quill has become elevated. A shofar, a symbol of Repentance and hope for the End of Days, begins to appear. Shabbat candles, or perhaps people praying become a central element. Thirteen rectangular windows, representing the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, offer a feeling of merit. Pilul (prayer), is yet a higher level whereby one feels the merit to rightfully request from G-d one’s needs.
Requesting One’s Needs, Prayer IX (Pilul) , 2023
oil on canvas
140 x 110 cm (55 x 43 in.)
2023
The Majestic Blue quill appears to fill the entire world in Space. Peering through the windows one discovers ultimate tranquility, prayer...ethereal perfection.
Tachanunim (supplication) is the highest objective whereby one requests from G-d one’s needs, yet realizes a total lack of merit, rather a gift from G-d through His Attributes of Mercy.
A Gift from G-d, Prayer X (Tachanunim) , 2023 oil on canvas 110 x 130 cm (43 x 51 in.)
2023 ,)םינונחת(
Standing within the gates of Jerusalem (Psalms 122:2) diptych , 2023 oil on canvas
50 x 100 cm (20 x 39 in)
ז'צנס
םילשוריב תרצויו תררוגִתמ ,זירפ תדילי :םידומיל
רויצ ,ןמדירפ קיי'גִ 2001-11
םושיר ,גִנירפס בוחר רפס 2001-12 םושירו רויצ ,Bruce Telekey 2001-13
קרוי וינ ,יטיסרבינוי הבישיב ,ינש ראות 1991 ב"הרא ,קרוי וינ Edward R. Murrow School of Art 1981
דיחי תוכורעת
ביבא לת ,םינמאה תיב ,תוינחורב ןנובתהל 2025
ןויצל ןושאר ,םינמאה תיב ,םיבר םימ 2024
2022
םילשורי ,ךבנזור הירלגִ ,Post-Renovation 2022 םילשורי ,ךבנזור
2013
תודובע" 2017 לארשי ,ב"הרא רירגִש ןועמ ,"תורירגִשב תונמא" , 2017 American Visions Gallery, NY 2015
ןמפוה .ר ףסוי ר"ד :רצוא ,םילשורי ,תיתפרצה העבגִה "ך"נתב םיצע :טבשב וט" 2015 American Visions Gallery, NY ,תיתצובק הכָורעת 2011 תוגלמו םיסרפ תילגִנאב לארשיב םירפוסה תדוגִאב רבח 1994 תוברתה דרשמ תובשות 2013 ימואלניבה םינמאה דוגִיאב רבח 2014 ילארשיה עוצקמב
Raquel Sanchez
Born Paris, France
Grew up in New York, USA, Ibiza, Spain. Esouera, Morroco, London, UK, Caracas, Venezuela
Moved to Israel in 2013
Lives and works in Jerusalem
Education:
2004 PhD NYU
2001-11 Jake Freedman, Observation Drawing
2001-12 Spring Street School, Life Drawing
2001-13 Bruce Telekey, Painting & drawing
Select Exhibitions:
2025 “Viewing Spirituality”, Artists' House, Tel Aviv, curator: Vera Pilpoul
2024 “Many Waters”, Artists' House, Rishon Letzion, curator: Vera Pilpoul
2024 “Seeds of Summer”, Beit Yad L'banim, Rishon Letzion, curator: Adi Angel
2023 “Post-Renovation”, Rosenbach Contemporary
2022 “Light from Darkness”, Rosenbach Contemporary
2021 “Viewpoint”, Jerusalem Biennale, Curator: Uri Rosenbach
2021 “Ominipresent”, Rosenbach Contemporary
2020 “New World Order: A Different Perspective”, Rosenbach Contemporary
2019 “Of Wonder”, Jerusalem Biennale, Curator: Mindy Weisel
2019 “See the voices” performance art with Kobi Arad and Daniel Zamir
2018 Group exhibition, "Viewpoint", Fresh Paint, Tel Aviv
2017 Group exhibition, "Recent works", Rosenbach Contemporary
2017 Group Exhibition, "Art in Embassy", US Ambassador's Residence, Israel
2015 Group exhibition, American Visions Gallery, NY
2015 “Tu b’shvat: Trees in the Bible”, curator: Dr. Joseph R. Hoffman
2014 Solo exhibition, Nachlaot, Jerusalem
2013 Solo exhibition: 15 paintings, Emeq Refaim, Jerusalem
2011 Group exhibition, American Visions Gallery, NY
Awards and scholarships:
1994 Member Israel Association of Writers in English
2013 Ministry of Culture residency
2014 Member International Artists’ Union
2015 Member Israeli Professional Visual Artists Association
Publications (poetry)
Spring 2002 Café Poetry, Arc 16, The Journal of the Israel Association of Writers in English Winter 2002 The International Library of Poetry, The Sound of Poetry (CD edition) Adar 5761 The Journal of the Jerusalem Poetry Slam, No.1
Summer 2001 Kid Pistol, Arc15, The Journal of the Israel Association of Writers in English Spring, 2000 The Journal of the Israel Association of Writers in English – Arc 14 Summer,1999 Expatriates & Ex-Patriots, The Journal of the Israel Association of Writers in English
1999 Voices Israel, Poetry from Israel and abroad, vol.26
1997/1998 Voices Israel, Poetry from Israel and abroad, vol.25
February 1999 English Poetry from Israel, Israel Association of Writers in English
Summer 1996 The Journal of the Israel Association of Writers in English - Arc 11
Collections:
Ambassador David Friedman Family Collection, USA
Assorted private collections in USA, Israel and Europe
10 King David St., Jerusalem www.rosenbach.co.il uri@rosenbach.co.il tel +972-507-516091 +1-914-336-4135
