From memorials to people and places to celebrations of hard work and faith, the modern mosaics of Israel tell a fascinating story
Author: Naama Barak
As you may remember from our story on the magnificent ancient mosaics of Israel, the country is chockablock with this antique form of art.
Turns out, however, it’s not only 2,000-year-old works of art that grace the floors and walls of our buildings and public places. Thoroughly modern mosaics also make a prominent statement throughout Israel.
Here are 3 of the most striking modern Israeli mosaics for you to admire from a distance or, Covid-permitting, in real life.
Chagall Lounge, the Knesset
The 12 mosaics featured here, created in the 1960s by world-renowned artist Marc Chagall, boast the most prestigious setting on this list – the fourth floor of Israel’s Knesset. They borrow from the themes that appear in the ancient mosaics found in fifth- and sixth-century synagogues in the country, and as such include images such as fruit, animals and vegetation.
The stones for these floor mosaics come from all over Israel: the light-colored ones from Jerusalem, the black and brown from northern Israel and the green and blue from the Timna quarry near Eilat in the south. The yellow and orange pieces are Murano glass from Venice.
The Chagall Lounge also incorporates a big wall mosaic and three huge tapestries created by the artist.
History of Tel Aviv
Nahum Gutman was one of the most prominent artists in pre-state and early Israel, and is especially known for his depictions of the Land of Israel. Among his many works are also many mosaics, including this one depicting the history of Tel Aviv and Jaffa from the days of Jonah the Prophet to Israel’s declaration of Independence, marking along the way occasions such as Napoleon’s sojourn to the area and the early 20th century café culture in the city.
Gutman’s intricate and large-scale mosaic was originally positioned in front of the old City Hall in downtown Tel Aviv, but now stands at the beginning of Rothschild Boulevard, not far from the delightful museum bearing his name.
The Madonnas at the Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth
The present-day Church of the Annunciation is a modern basilica built over the remains of ancient churches marking the place believed to be home of the Virgin Mary. And since the church is relatively new, so are the mosaics that decorate it.
The church’s portico has a large display of images of the Madonna created by communities from all over the world, each representing their culture and aesthetics. Together, they emphasize the universality of faith, and make for a fascinating tour.