Menashe Kadishman, Untitled
Title: Untitled
Artist: Menashe Kadishman
Medium: Pastel on Paper
Dimensions: Sight 16.5 x 12 in; Frame 19.5 x 15.5 in
Description:
This untitled composition by Menashe Kadishman features a stylized depiction of a lamb's head rendered in red and orange hues. The lamb's head stands out against a white backdrop, with two green elements adding a complementary contrast to the main subject. The simplicity of the background highlights the vibrant colors and the expressive nature of the lamb's portrayal, a recurrent motif in Kadishman's body of work. The use of pastels lends a soft texture to the piece, enhancing the warmth and emotive quality of the lamb's head.
About the Artist:
Menashe Kadishman (1932-2015) was an influential Israeli painter and sculptor renowned for his unique approach to combining thematic elements with formal aesthetics. Born in Tel Aviv, Kadishman's work spans various artistic movements, including Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and Neo-Expressionism. Despite his diverse body of work, he is best known for his recurrent motif of the sheep, which he incorporated into his art to explore themes of Jewish heritage and familial sacrifice.
Kadishman's artistic journey began with studies in Israel and continued with significant periods in England and America, where he gained international recognition. However, he chose to return permanently to Israel, where his work became deeply influenced by themes from the Hebrew Bible, particularly the story of Isaac. His distinctive style and thematic focus led American art critic and poet Donald Kuspit to describe his art as "high-culture kitsch," acknowledging the profound impact of Kadishman's seemingly simple motifs on the fine art world.
Condition Report:
The artwork is in good condition, with the pastel colors remaining vibrant and well-preserved.