Featureless but not faceless

An Israeli artist's works depict archetypes that capture invisible interactions and silent tensions among these items. Zhang Kun explores his ongoing exhibition in Shanghai.

Ofer Lellouche's exhibition at Shanghai's Himalayas Museum started at an inconvenient time on March 30, when the Israeli consulate was closed.

"A very important artist, a national treasure from Israel, will have his exhibition this weekend, presenting paintings and sculptures, as well as giving a master's class," Lily Ma from the consulate said, explaining why she was not sending official invitations.

"It's a pity, though - the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs is on strike, so we are temporarily closed."

Lellouche says of the labor dispute: "We are very stubborn people - undisciplined sometimes."

But while Israel is a small country, it wields a huge cultural influence. Its people care deeply and are opinionated about art.

"It's difficult to be an artist in Israel," Lellouche says.

The upside is the public thirst for art and literature has inspired many greats.

The 67-year-old sculptor, printmaker and painter says he is so moved by Shanghai's acceptance of Jewish refugees during World War II that he has envisioned a monument to the bond between Chinese and Israeli people.

IF YOU GO
Himalayas Art Museum
869 Yinghua Lu (Road), Pudong New Area, Shanghai.
10 am-6 pm, Tue-Sun, until May 11.
021-5033-9801.