A new exhibition by Artist Dennis Shifrin – “Legends and Myths” will open at the Raanana Yad LaBanim Municipal Gallery, as part of the “On the Wings of Imagination” festival and the Book Celebration that will be held in Raanana next month. 

This exhibition is a cooperative effort between the Municipal Gallery and the Municipal Library at Yad LaBanim.

At the exhibition, international myths and legends will be explored, and will come to life in Dennis Shifrin’s artwork – miniature kinetic figurines made of obichi, balsa, birch and oak wood.  Each and every detail, each model, even the tiniest part of each statue receives the artist’s maximum attention and gentle touch.

The kinetic statues and miniatures describe folk legends of the Philippines, China, Italy, Scandinavia, Celtic, Slavic and Eastern European Jewish folklore as well as myths from India, Bolivia, ancient Greece, etc.  Every creation is characterized by architectural motifs, decorations or styles that suit the source and its character.

In addition, there are also illustrations, sketches used to prepare the statures and precise drafting of the mechanisms that are used to make them move.

Dennis Shifrin, a Raanana artist, was born in Liverpool in the U.K.  His love for books and legends, plays and films has influenced his later artwork.  After many years of painting, he moved over to kinetic miniature sculpture.  The virtuosity, the perfect artistry and complete control of the secret techniques of miniature sculpture are apparent in each of his creations.

The official opening is scheduled for Saturday night, 8.5.10 at 20:30 and will be attended by Mayor Nahum Hofree and Deputy Mayor Ronit Weintraub, director of the Culture, Youth and Leisure Division.

Curator:  Orna Fichman.

In the photo:  the artists creations.  Photo courtesy of the Raanana Municipality.