Submitted by Ish
In commemoration of Israel’s 75th anniversary, ish has opened its doors to two Israeli artists-in-residence, hailing from Netanya, Israel, to further the organization’s mission of crafting intentional spaces for connection and acceptance through art. This artistic residency culminates in a remarkable exhibition titled “Motherhood Essence and the Feminine Divine,” a profound exploration of femininity’s essence and the sacred art of motherhood.
The inspiration for this exhibition stems from the Hebrew words “imahut” (motherhood) and “mahut” (essence), highlighting how women shape our very cores. This theme reflects the constant process of reframing the world that women and individuals assigned female at birth endure, navigating societal categorizations and divisions. These powerful artworks serve as a celebration of women’s extraordinary roles as community builders, organizers, and healers, particularly during times of crisis and transformation that affect our global community.
This collaborative masterpiece features the creative endeavors of eight talented artists — four Israeli artists-in-residence, Roni Fixler, Dana Cohen, alongside two additional Israeli artists, Stav Even Zahav and Maya Prat, as well as four local Cincinnati artists, Avery Plummer, Sharareh Khosravani, Mary Barr Rhodes, and Leo Manis. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme, enriching the exhibition with diverse creative expressions.
In a beautiful display of creativity and purpose, these artists participated in a “re-art” process, where they reinterpreted and reimagined each other’s works. This creative exchange brought forth fresh perspectives and deepened the artistic connection within the group.
But the art goes beyond the gallery walls. ish’s Israeli artists-in-residence have also engaged with the local community, sharing their unique perspectives and art styles through community outreach programs at the Ronald McDonald House, WordPlay, The Well, and Cedar Village. Their presence and creativity have added a unique layer to Cincinnati’s vibrant art scene.
One artist, Dana Cohen, captures the essence of motherhood with meticulous attention to detail and a profound connection to her subject matter. Her artwork employs a blend of textures, mixed media, and collage techniques, offering viewers a deep and multifaceted understanding of motherhood.
In light of current events in Israel, Dana Cohen reflects on the significance of this theme: “Israel is experiencing a difficult period in recent days, filled with pain and hardship. During these days, the role of mothers and caregivers is more important than ever. We are only hearing stories now, but they tell us about Rachel Ma’ofkayim, who fed the terrorists and, by prolonging their time, saved her family’s lives. Women who nurse babies left alone during the day and countless acts of love. In these days, there is nothing more relevant than this.”
As we celebrate the strength of femininity, the power of motherhood, and the resilience of women in our global community through art, we invite you to explore “Motherhood Essence and the Feminine Divine.” Join us at the Cincinnati Skirball Museum, where these compelling artworks paint a vivid picture of the essence of womanhood through the end of January.
While this exhibition is a spotlight event, it’s part of a larger opening night at the Cincinnati Skirball Museum on October 19th, featuring two other exhibits, “An Eternal People: The Jewish Experience” and “Eve: I Understand by Ellie Beth Scott.” Be sure to reserve your spot to experience a celebration of Jewish history, contemporary creativity, and the enduring power of women.
