Chanan Mazal At Jerusalem Biennale (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 11/22/21

Jerusalem, Israel - Nov. 22, 2021  - According to Chanan Mazal, he "was born in the shadow of George Washington Bridge. Like that grand suspension bridge, I had my west leg planted in American suburbia, and my east leg planted on the far side of the Mediterranean and rooted deep into history and tradition. Likewise, my life and artwork is a balancing act...between competing languages, cultures and outlooks on life."

As previously reported the 5th Jerusalem Biennale has brought together over 200 Jewish contemporary artists. Ram Ozeri, founder and creative director of the Jerusalem Biennale with a restricted budget was able to assemble over 300 works from mostly Israeli artists from November 11 - December 30, 2021, in multiple venues in Jerusalem, Israel.

BJL had the pleasure to hear from Mazal, at his temporary studio in the 120-year-old Shaare Zedek building where his collection is displayed as the Small Upper Chamber. 

Four Cubits (ארבע אמות) the theme of the current Biennale refers to a person’s private space, a concept which dominated our lives in the past year and a half with a global pandemic. Mazal has used his time at home to bring old works to new life in vivid color.

He says he rarely plans his work in detail, but attacks the painting surface quickly, often wildly, and then calmly works hard to collect the jarring elements into one aesthetic package. "A battle between order, and exuberant chaos; between good manners, and the jubilant naughtiness of my subconscious."

I like things to be pretty in the end, but never too perfect. “Mistakes” are charming he explained.