Feeling the loneliness of The Reservist – in a sea of flags, people and dilemmas. In my studio, London, April 12, 2023
The Reservists are leaders of public opinion * An active integral part of the civil protest against ”The Reform’ andthe coup d’état held in Israel (without that official title), 2023
“The Reservist”: “Democracy or Rebellion”, are seen on the high cliffs of the Judean Mountains.
The Reservists with their abilities as skilled field personnel – raised signs throughout the country.
Sign: “Democracy or Rebellion”, on the high cliffs of the Judean Mountains
They shake the country with direct messages and boldly in their own way, in demonstrations throughout from north to south. From Chiefs of Staff to unknown soldiers, heroes, who risk their lives when necessary – express their opinion and leave an active and proactive mark in demonstrations and current public affairs in Israel.
Reservists carrying a stretcher (like in war) in Bnei Brak, March 2023 Photograph: Itai Ron
The people’s army – only in a democracy!” The leaders of the reserve protest said in Bnei Brak, March 2023
“The people’s army – only in democracy!”
Sign: Combats of Yom Kippur war 1973, are fighting for the ׳character׳ of the country of Israel. Photographer: Aviahu Shapira
The journey of the Yom Kippur fighters against the revolution – Loading a tank on a tank carrier from The Golan Heights to the center of the country. Heroes as always! Photographer: Aviahu Shapira
On 17 February 2023, the campaign of Yom Kippur fighters against ‘The Reform’ was stopped, with a tank towed all the way from The Golan Heights * The tank was taken without permission.
A tank towed from The Golan Heights , on a heroic journey, brings up forgotten pain – a thunderous action against the ‘Reform’! Photographer: Aviahu Shapira
There is a dilemma between the spirit of volunteerism of The Reservists and their going out as first in every mission, and their going out openly against ‘The Reform’ that goes against the High Court, they go against the coup d’état, against the destruction of the democracy with the “Salami method” system, rewriting draconian laws, and as a whole turning the State of Israel into a dictatorship and a Halacha state.
Close-up: “The Reservist” goes to ‘battle’ this time for saving the country from dictatorship.
Day by day and hour by hour, with security volatility and instability in the country and in the region, The Reservists make difficult decisions and go to their dangerous positions, as the ‘people’s army’ and when ordered, and in addition go to demonstrations against ‘The Reform’ and the coup d’état!
“Freedom in our country” – the military men, the fighters of 73, once again went head in the front of the camp – proudly displayed the Declaration of Independence and the Menorah. Kaplan, May 6, 2023
“The Reservist”, 2023 Acrylic on canvas, 70 * 100 cm, April 12 2023
Demonstration by the Knesset in Jerusalem. 18 March 2023. We are demonstrating to protect our democracy! Acrylic and Crayons on canvas. 70*100 cm
The fiscal flag is a piece of cloth or material attached to a pole.
The Metaphysical flag is the sign, symbol that represents and symbolizes a given Nation, Government or Idea.
We were raised by the well known saying ״It is Good to Die for Our Country”, ״טוב למות בעד ארצנו!״ – in connotation to our land and flag. These words in the collective memory are associated with “Trumpeldor” the hero and “Tel Hai” in the Galilee.
With that collective idea in mind – “It is good to Die for our country”, I created “The BleedingRed Flag” – by attaching 40 meter long Red Flag, bleeding at the end and integrating into the ground. Exhibited at “Anti War” exhibition 1978, London.
“The Bleeding Red Flag“. 40 meter long flag bleeding to the ground. The “Anti War” exhibition 1978
Cover of “The Russian Revolution 1917-1945”, By Anthony D’Agostino
The Red Flag was a major player at the The Russian Revolution, 1917
Flags of countries at the UN House in New York.
The National Flag is displayed in various Important places. The Metaphysical idea of The Flag carries the Nation’s pride.
“The Flag”, Collage-painting, 1978
״The FLAG״ painting-collage, was displayed in Revensbourn college of Art & Design, London, in “Anti War” exhibition. 1978. ״The FLAG״ represented as a prime Form-Symbol in the “Anti War” exhibition.
Carrying a flag can “cover” the eyes and the vision…
‘Idolatry’, sketch book, 1978
Flag worship can be ‘Idolatry’ as I called it in my sketch book. (1978)
‘War Dance’, sketch book, 1978
Today we are protesting for our Democracyin Israel, and again ‘The Flag‘ is the major player.
Demonstration at 10 Downing St. London. 24 March 2023 Netanyahu meeting Rishi – the British PM
Demonstration in Tel Aviv. 17 March 2023
Draft of “Field of Flags”
Close up – “Field of Flags” (Between the flags and the people A Camera is searching for the leaders…)
“Field of Flags”, 23 March 2023 Acrylic and pastels on canvas. 100 * 70 cm
A state of emergencyhas been in place in Israel from the day it was declared, May 19, 1948 until today.
A state of emergency gives the Knesset or the government the authority to allow the government to implement unique arrangements – emergency regulations, sometimes while proportionately infringing fundamental freedoms.
The law does not define reference scenarios which, given their realization, would allow the Knesset or the government to establish emergency regulations. (Wikipedia)
“State of Emergency” 18.3.2023 Work in Progress
In these difficult times of dramatic changes of the regime and the laws in Israel, everyone clings to symbols. The blue and white Israeli flag with the Star of David in the center became the symbol of the masses. Everyone carried a flag and went out into the streets.
Kaplan St. Tel Aviv 18.3.2023
There was even a symbolic feeling that the flag and the Star of David will protect the people in times of need as in the Biblical Times. Indeed, young people were seen holding the flag made of simple cloth in-front of their faces as a protector from the sprayed huge hoses of water at them.
A sprinkler sprays on protesters in Jerusalem 2020. Adaptation: Olivier Fitussy, Flash/90
The Flag and the Star of David as a symbol – protecting the people and a physical tool for expression.
Demonstration in Jerusalem – people and flags. 27.3.2023 Haharetz, front page
The “Economist”, one of the most important newspapers in the world, uses the Star of David as a symbol of Israel, comes out with a sharp cover against the legal reform in Israel, with the headline “Will Bibi dismantle Israel?”
The “Economist”, uses the Star of David as a symbol of Israel, 16.3.2023
Stages in my work: Drawings and than searching for found object of wood to put together the Star of David under suppressed area, as in our lives. Also assumable simple humble wood to create the star.
Star of David Handcuffed 21.2.2023
Stages of work
Searching the right BLUE colour and the proper size.
The shades of gray represents the mental stages of the nation and of the individual suffering.
At this time and stage the Star of David and Democracy are trapped by evil forces.
We will continue to demonstrate!
We will not give up democracy and our individual freedom!
We’ll return of the honor and pride of the symbol of Jewish freedom – The Star of David.
“State of Emergency” Star of David and our Democracy are trapped 11.2.2023 Drawing on paper A3, crayons, pencils and charcoal
I started the painting on 24.2.2022, and completed it on Monday, 27 February 2023
Insight
24.2.2022
Tonight a war has begun!
I’m sitting in front of the TV. Terrible pictures are running.
I can’t believe my eyes. I turned on the radio. The news on the radio is even more terrifying.
I closed the windows and doors firmly.
Through the window I saw Sveta.
Is it possible that it is her?
She stands for a while in front of the window.
I get up from my armchair to see her and she is gone.
Our whole life together rans before my eyes. I missed her.
Was that my Sveta?
Saturday, 25 Feb. 202228 Feb. 20221 March 2022Saturday, 7 May 2022
I started the painting at the day I heard the news “A war has begun in Ukraine”. 24.2.2020.
I grabbed a canvas and made some quick coloured marks. Quick scratch.
I knew what I saw and felt.
I saw the red curtains in his living room, the beautiful bouquet of tulips, the small wooden table. I saw a middled-aged man sitting frozen in his armchair, after hearing and seeing the news. Than he saw Sveta by the window. He got up immediately, to see her closely, but she is gone.
Insight Best, 11 May 2022
Than I remember that I saw a reflation of a man’s face, blurry, fare from the window, behind Sveta’s shoulder.
Was it the middled-aged man’s reflection on the window, when he got up from his armchair?
Or was it the man that accompanied Sveta?
Wednesday, 22 June 2022
I drew the man’s face reflected in the window, it felt right.
I thought I finished the painting, and left it for a while.
Over time, in February 2023, a year after I started the painting, it was clear to me that there was a moment when Sveta looked straight ahead, looked directly into the man’s face and he looked at her.
There was a clear meeting – face to face of the two, for a split second, and then she disappeared.
