Angel

Harry Araten (1936-2001) was born in Casablanca, Morocco. Lived and studied in New-York between the years 1940-1968, and moved to Israel in 1968. Since 1965 he exhibited internationally. He was a published author and an illustrator of children’s books and young adult books. Some of the published credits of Harry Araten include Seven Animal Stories for Children, Essential Jewish Trivia Book for Kids, A Child’s First Book of Jewish Holidays. He was also an accomplished and widely exhibited watercolorist and serigrapher.

Artist’s philosophy
“The elements of nature that surround us, both physically and metaphysically, should sooth us. Instead, we destroy the essential beauty and basic peace of our environment. We enclose ourselves in many needless rules and regulations. Choice is limited by our narrow-mindedness and selfless pursuit of absurdities. Humanity, as represented by the suited form and by the hopes of the angelic alter-ego, optimistically, but with an underlying sorrow, continuously searches. Searches with an unswerving single-mindedness for happiness during survival on a dwindling planet. Symbols of this search include balloons and butterflies, rising as high as imagination and spirit wills. My art is oblique; I point rather than slash so that my philosophy is revealed slowly, in a measured manner. In this way, the viewer reaches intellectual conclusions that are deeply and continuously felt. My art offers philosophical rhythms that flow to their conclusions.”

Harry Araten (1936-2001) was born in Casablanca, Morocco. Lived and studied in New-York between the years 1940-1968, and moved to Israel in 1968. Since 1965 he exhibited internationally. He was a published author and an illustrator of children’s books and young adult books. Some of the published credits of Harry Araten include Seven Animal Stories for Children, Essential Jewish Trivia Book for Kids, A Child’s First Book of Jewish Holidays. He was also an accomplished and widely exhibited watercolorist and serigrapher.

Artist’s philosophy
“The elements of nature that surround us, both physically and metaphysically, should sooth us. Instead, we destroy the essential beauty and basic peace of our environment. We enclose ourselves in many needless rules and regulations. Choice is limited by our narrow-mindedness and selfless pursuit of absurdities. Humanity, as represented by the suited form and by the hopes of the angelic alter-ego, optimistically, but with an underlying sorrow, continuously searches. Searches with an unswerving single-mindedness for happiness during survival on a dwindling planet. Symbols of this search include balloons and butterflies, rising as high as imagination and spirit wills. My art is oblique; I point rather than slash so that my philosophy is revealed slowly, in a measured manner. In this way, the viewer reaches intellectual conclusions that are deeply and continuously felt. My art offers philosophical rhythms that flow to their conclusions.”

The works of Raphael Abecassis are characterized by an integration between excellent technical performance, a refreshing and original combination of colors as well as clear and perfect compositions. Raphael uses these impressive means to obtain a nearly impossible aim. In other words, the restoration of a whole artistic tradition and paying tribute to our sources, but not through self effacing or self depreciation.

The scripts, the verses from the sources, the illustrated prayers and Independence Charter of the State of Israel which constitute the entire body of Raphael’s works in parchment, cut outs and colors, are tightly interconnected and breach over the gap between our forgotten artistic past and the present in which we are groping our way.

Raphael, when you have dedicated yourself to traditional subjects, you have paradoxically performed something bold, non-conformistic and unusual. You have undoubtedly succeeded in your way by virtue of your artistic talents, and thus you have contributed to all of us; the Israeli tradition, Israeli art and whoever cherishes the combination between the two.

1953 – Born in Marakesh, Morocco
1956 – Immigrated to Israel
1974-77 – Studied at Beersheva College of Education
1986 – Award for Independence Day Poster
1987 – Ministry of Education award for “Psalms of David” illuminated manuscripts
1987 – Illuminated text for President Chaim Herzog’s 40th year Independence Day presentation at the Wailing Wall.

The works of Raphael Abecassis are characterized by an integration between excellent technical performance, a refreshing and original combination of colors as well as clear and perfect compositions. Raphael uses these impressive means to obtain a nearly impossible aim. In other words, the restoration of a whole artistic tradition and paying tribute to our sources, but not through self effacing or self depreciation.

The scripts, the verses from the sources, the illustrated prayers and Independence Charter of the State of Israel which constitute the entire body of Raphael’s works in parchment, cut outs and colors, are tightly interconnected and breach over the gap between our forgotten artistic past and the present in which we are groping our way.

Raphael, when you have dedicated yourself to traditional subjects, you have paradoxically performed something bold, non-conformistic and unusual. You have undoubtedly succeeded in your way by virtue of your artistic talents, and thus you have contributed to all of us; the Israeli tradition, Israeli art and whoever cherishes the combination between the two.

1953 – Born in Marakesh, Morocco
1956 – Immigrated to Israel
1974-77 – Studied at Beersheva College of Education
1986 – Award for Independence Day Poster
1987 – Ministry of Education award for “Psalms of David” illuminated manuscripts
1987 – Illuminated text for President Chaim Herzog’s 40th year Independence Day presentation at the Wailing Wall.