An Exhibition in Memory of Haredi Painter Huvy Elisha: ‘She Brought Judaism into the World of Art

From Mea Shearim to New York’s Grand Galleries • An Exhibition in Memory of Artist Huvy Elisha Opens Today in Jerusalem • One of Her Paintings Offered for $1.2 Million

The exhibition Jerusalem of the Heart opens today (Monday) in Jerusalem in memory of the international Haredi artist Huvy Elisha, who passed away about six months ago. Her family is launching the exhibition as the opening of a global tour of her art, believing that in these days of tension and division, her works can serve as a bridge.

‘She brought the world of Judaica into painting and, over the past forty years, conquered the stages of the global art scene — including the most prestigious galleries in New York,’ says her grandson, Shlomi Elisha (27). ‘There are very few artists of such stature from the Orthodox world. She broke down those barriers and reached the very highest places.’

Indeed, one of Elisha’s paintings is now being offered for sale at a professionally appraised price of $1.2 million. The work, The Spies (2003), once stood at the center of the office of U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who received it on loan for the embassy. Recently, Friedman returned it to the gallery, and it is now available for purchase.

But did art ever clash with her faith?

‘On the contrary — she brought Jewish art to the world in a way no one else could. Everything she created was in full accordance with faith and Halakha, and that spirit is evident in her works. With this exhibition, we especially wish to emphasize her deep connection to the Land of Israel. Jerusalem of the Heart marks the beginning of a global exhibition campaign, through which we will show the world the very heart of Jerusalem.

source: israel hayom