The present album consists of a series of graphic works devoted to the same subject – exploration of Jewishness. Each drawing portrays a particular situation, mood, or character. Jews prominently feature in every drawing. 

I was seeking to create an abstract formula which would enable me to portray the Jew as a generalized image, an idea, a particular mode of thinking and behavior. Search for this graphic formula was one of the most important goals of this album.

Jewish personality and character had traditionally evoked controversial feelings in different people: antagonism and envy, admiration and disgust, respect and hatred, but in very rare cases did they arouse indifference. 

Throughout centuries the Jew has been regarded as a victim, a citizen of the world, a religious fanatic, or a dedicated family man. He is an epic historical character, an eternal wanderer, moving from century to century, and from one country to another.

The Jew has been mythologized and demonized, and, thanks to that, he has managed to step outside of his ‘ordinary’, boring’ life (though most Jews have always led a perfectly ordinary life).   

Stereotypes of the Jews have evolved for centuries and been around for centuries. Jewish archetypes are one of the most durable and persistent in the world literature, drama, and visual arts. Therefore, absurdity is the main leitmotif (soundtrack) of the present album. Banal everyday life situations are full of biblical pathos whereas heroic deeds go unnoticed.

A set of universal things and notions, such as family, love, music, death, etc., interchanges with the following classical Jewish set of things and notions – Pogrom, Chanukiah, Tallit. Shabbat, etc.

The choice of pen and ink on paper technique was intentional. Black and white drawing technique ideally represents the dualism existing in almost all aspects of Jewish life: pride and self-abasement, faith and nihilism, Israel and Galut, vulnerability, fear and heroism, etc.

I hope that the album is not only about the Jews but it also addresses universal themes and notions. After all, even if we are reluctant to admit it, there is a little bit of a Jew in every one of us. 

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The book designed by Pini Hamou Studio.

The book is printed in the technique of lithography on woven paper.

The edition is limited, all albums are signed and numbered by author.

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To contact and purchase the book you can email me at kanovichmark@gmail.com or use the contact page on the site.