Murielle Cohen, a Montreal-born artist, known for her uncanny ability to capture the subtleties of the human condition in her work, has used the medium of street art to create a striking critique of contemporary consumer society in her piece featuring a corpulent depiction of Michelangelo's David with the face of Aphrodite.
Bloated and adorned with modern gadgets and expensive shoes, the figure could be interpreted as a powerful commentary on society's obsession with materialism and superficial beauty. It may symbolize the excess and vanity of the consumer culture we live in, a culture far removed from classical art's elegance and simplicity.
As for Murielle herself, her artistic journey started in a rather extraordinary way. After witnessing the September 11th attack in New York, where she spent 11 years, she felt the urge to document life. Starting with paper block and charcoal, Murielle began drawing strangers on the streets. Each 30-second sketch, drawn without looking at the page, is accompanied by a short sentence that seemingly channels the hidden secrets of the portrayed soul.
She has since moved to Tel Aviv, where she engages with the vibrant streets by infusing them with colour through her artwork. Her work, as provocative as it is entertaining, provides a medium for introspection about societal norms while adding a splash of vibrancy to the urban landscape.
Our open discussion will revolve around the unique and vibrant neighbourhood of Florentine in Tel Aviv, where we'll explore its distinctive street art, contemporary culture, and rich history. We'll touch on various artists, including Kislev and Murielle Cohen, and explore their interpretation of this neighbourhood's ever-changing emotional and societal implications.
As for what lies for us ahead in Florentine, it's an exciting opportunity to marvel at the vivid street art that adorns its buildings, dive into bustling local pubs, and engage with the colourful personalities that will form the beating heart of this district. Florintin will unfold before us as a place where the modern pulse of Tel Aviv meets the echoes of its past, promising a truly unique and immersive experience.
