Seven Species – JUSTArt: Justice, Advocacy & Art Fundraiser to Benefit the Anti-Defamation League

Oil on Canvas

30″x40″

Sold at Auction

____

 My work, Seven Species, is a study on the potential for bountiful harmony available to mankind as a race of beings if a few basic principals are observed.

The Seven Species, or Shiv’at HaMinim, are foods listed in the Hebrew Bible as being special products of the Land of Israel.  They each have a long standing place in human history, as traditional foods as well as being used in religious rites and as symbols.  They are wheat, barley, olive, fig, date, pomegranate, and grape.  Closely tied to the Land of Israel, it was the “honey” made by boiling dates into a thick syrup that is referenced with the promise of “a land flowing with milk and honey“, and the festivals of Shavuot and Sukkot celebrate the barley and wheat harvests, respectively.  The entire  world knows of the intoxicating libations that can be made of barley, grapes, wheat, and even figs and pomegranates.  Olive oil has an almost endless list of potential uses, from cooking and lighting fires to sacrificial offerings and anointment of priests and public officials.

The sharing of food and drink is a universal tradition of peace that dates back to before recorded history.  The painting Seven Species represents this universality by depicting the grains and fruits bursting forth in splendor from a vase that can be viewed symbolically as the Earth as a cornucopia of endless bounty provided to man.  As long as a harmonious balance is kept, one lacking in the destruction of war, violence and pollution, the Earth will continue to supply everything that is needed for the entire human race in every habitable corner of it’s great expanse.

___

Watch the creation of the painting unfold in 41 seconds:

_________________

___

 JustArt: Justice, Advocacy & Art is the inaugural exhibition, fundraiser and silent auction celebrating the universality of the mission of the Anti-Defamation League.

Opening Reception

Thursday, May 17, 2012

7:30pm-10:30pm

VIP Reception 6:30-7:30

Benrimon Contemporary Gallery

514 W. 24th Street

New York City

Buy Tickets Here

Exhibition will be open to the public from May 18 – May 20, 2012

JustArt is the first annual art exhibition, fundraiser and silent auction highlighting the mission and impact of the ADL. JustArt features unique artwork created by over 20 emerging and award winning artists and focus on one or more aspects of ADL’s mission.

Check out these  two powerful and controversial paintings by Jeremy Penn and Borbay – both also available at the event.

See the story behind this painting here

See the story and process behind this painting here

Thanks for Viewing!