Eliezer Weishoff

Eliezer Weishoff (Hebrew: אליעזר ויסהוף‎‎; born 1938) is a master of numerous fine art disciplines, active in Israel since the 1950s.

Eliezer Weishoff
9-11 Memorial Monument, Emek HaArazim, 2009
Sea Promenade, Rishon LeZion, four stylized sculpted birds forming arches, cast in polymeric substances, 4.5m high, 1993
Jewish National Fund forest emblem, cast in colored polymeric substances
Pigeons over Jerusalem, Oil Painting on Canvas
Rebirth Sculpture in Rishon le Zion, Steel Construction plated with textured copper and cast aluminum, symbolizing the rebirth of Israel up to 1948, height 9m, 1998

He was born in Jerusalem and lived in the neighborhood of Mahaneh Yehuda, which became a source of inspiration for his many paintings and sculptures. His studies at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design began in 1954, when he was 16. At the end of his first year of studies, he earned a scholarship for the continuation of his study, and graduated with distinction in 1958. In 1968 he returned to Bezalel as a lecturer and instructor.

He served in the Israel Defense Forces, as illustrator and art editor of the "Bemahaneh Gadna" Newspaper. When released from the army, he began his artistic work, concentrating on painting, sculpture and artistic prints. In 1967 he held his first one-man show in Tel Aviv. Since then, he has exhibited his works in one-man shows, both in Israel and around the world.

Works

Weishoff's works of art are an integral part of the State of Israel, excelling in their artistic expression. Recognized as celebrated art, they have gained international renown. Weishoff's monumental art both embellishes the landscape and conveys a clear educational, cultural and artistic message. His memorial sites, characterized by their original and unique style, constitute tangible expressions of remembrance, which Weishoff has achieves through skillful use of symbolic language. His sculptures and monuments blend harmoniously with the landscape and become part of it.

Sculpted Monuments

Sculptures and monuments created by Weishoff adorn many sites and squares around Israel. Each of his works tells a story and represents an event that the onlooker quickly recognizes. In honor of the thousands who perished in the September 11 attacks, Weishoff created the famous Memorial Monument, which stands in Emek Arazim at the entrance to Jerusalem, as well as an Israel State Medal and Postage Stamp. His other monuments include the "Peace" Statue, "Rebirth" in Rishon LeZion, "Seven Species" in the Knesset Building in Jerusalem and the "Bird" that he created for the Jewish National Fund, which can be seen at many different locations throughout Israel.

Weishoff created the Kinetic Sculpture for the magnificent Carnival Cruise Superliner "Sensation", in addition to twelve mural paintings that adorn the decks of the ship.

Sculptures

Weishoff's array of sculpted animals can be seen on exhibition in art galleries. These interestingly textured cast bronze sculptures were created after he had closely watched the animals in their natural surroundings and zoos.

Oil Paintings, Etchings, Serigraphs and Prints

Over the years, Weishoff has created hundreds of oil paintings, etchings, serigraphs and artistic prints, most of them depicting nature and landscape, pictures of his native Jerusalem and its surroundings, as well as the Port of Jaffa. Several of his paintings have been adopted by El Al Israel Airlines and the Ministry of Tourism, as they are so "Israeli" and so well represent the State of Israel. His one-man show at the Knesset in 1992, at which he exhibited his paintings of nature and landscape, was a focus of great interest.

Artistic Posters

Weishoff has designed artistic posters to mark historic events of the State of Israel, such as International Fairs that have taken place in the country, the Six Day War, Yom Kippur War, the meeting between Prime Minister Menachem Begin and President Anwar Sadat, the Maccabiah Games, Zionist Congresses and Israel's 40th Anniversary celebrations. In addition, he has designed the tourism logo and posters for the Bahamas.

Stamps, Medals, Coins and Banknotes

He has designed scores of stamps for Israel, as well as for foreign countries, including several series of stamps for the United Nations. Besides these, he has designed and sculpted many coins for the Bank of Israel, as well as medals for the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, public institutions in Israel and abroad. His medals have been displayed at International Exhibitions in Switzerland and the United States, and have gained wide publicity.

Weishoff's design of the 50 New Sheqel Banknote featuring Shmuel Yosef Agnon is considered unique, both for its composition of original elements and for its style.

Pavilion and Museum Design in Israel and around the World

Weishoff has planned pavilions for the State of Israel at International Fairs, at Paris – Le Bourget Airport, the Far East, Turkey and South Africa. He has also contributed to the planning of museums in Israel, among them the Bialik House and Etzel Museum.

Books

In addition to the above, Weishoff has published a number of books in Hebrew: "Stamps tell about Jerusalem" and "The Chameleon" He has also illustrated and decorated many children's books.

References

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