Call and Response

Oren Eliav is intrigued by the fact that until not so long ago, looking at paintings was also an act of prayer and that acts of seeing and believing were intertwined. In his work he tries to bring forth this optical-theological tension. Thus, religious (mainly Christian) imagery and optical uncertainty play a significant part in his paintings. In addition, his endeavor leads to many political issues and identity discomforts that are the constant backdrop of making contemporary art in Israel.