Vienna, Albertina shows »Ofer Lellouche«

Why do we exist?

Man seems strange in the world. On the one hand he is a mammal, on the other hand he is radically different from all animals himself and changes nature like no other species. With depictions of disfigured, ghostly-looking bodies, Ofer Lellouche explores the question of the meaning of human life. Starting June 29, his works are on view at the Albertina in Vienna.

June 29, 2023
Ofer Lellouche, Self-Portrait with a Raised Hand, 2012, Kohle auf Papier
ALBERTINA, Wien - Schenkung Ofer Lellouche 2023 im Gedenken an Jan Krugier © Ofer Lellouche | Foto: Elad Sarig
Ofer Lellouche, Self-Portrait with a Raised Hand, 2012, Kohle auf Papier

Faces with empty eye sockets and no mouths, bodies as if covered with burns: Israeli artist Ofer Lellouche makes drawings and sculptures of humans in decay. His figures seem like lifeless shells that still exist but appear powerless and aimless. The experiences of Jewish history are particularly present in the artist's work: why do we exist when we experience so much suffering? Has God abandoned us? It is not war or accidents, however, that disfigure Lellouche's figures. The decay, the destruction seems to be part of life for him. The Albertina in Vienna presents drawings and sculptures by Ofer Lellouche in the exhibition of the same name, including new donations by the artist. Visitors can explore the philosophical works from June 29 to September 19.

Ofer Lellouche (b. 1947) is an Israeli artist born in Tunisia. Early in his career he focused primarily on video art, but after a few years turned to painting. He described the switch as an urge to return to basics. He is best known for his drawings and sculptures of human decay, which the exhibition, also in Vienna, deals with. The artist lives in Paris and Tel Aviv and was, among other things, a participant in the São Paulo Art Biennial in 1987.Art.Salon

Ofer Lellouche, Portrait of the Artist with a Bust of his Father, 2019, Mischtechnik auf Papier
ALBERTINA, Wien - Schenkung Ofer Lellouche 2023 im Gedenken an Dov Gottesman © Ofer Lellouche | Foto: Elad Sarig
Ofer Lellouche, Portrait of the Artist with a Bust of his Father, 2019, Mischtechnik auf Papier

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