jac lahav

48 JEWS

jac lahav
48 JEWS


The 48 Jews (2006 - Present) tells the story of what it means to be Jewish in the modern era. The artist depicts notable gures in Jewish history and culture such as Elie Wiesel, Anne Frank, Marc Chagall, and even Elvis Presley (who had four generations of maternal Jewish decent). Through painting, Lahav explores the meaning of Jewish identity and how individual idenity creates a larger sense community. To date there are 82 portraits in the series, many of which are repetitions and some of which are in private or public collections.

Paintings from this series are in the collection of the Saginaw Art Musuem (Saginaw MI), The Florida Jewish Museum (Miami, FL), and The Jewish Museum (NY, NY). Six works from The Jewish Museum NY are currently on display as part of their permanent collection.

BELOW IS A SELECTION FROM THE SERIES

Studio Lahav

SMASH ART


In a groundbreaking shift from traditional museum experiences, contemporary artist Lahav has redefined what it means to create a children-friendly art event, making waves in the art community with his innovative approach to social engagement in artwork. Through his unique performance in 2022, Lahav transformed galleries and museums into spaces of joy and interaction, inviting young audiences to actively participate in his art. By introducing "sleeper paintings" — artworks made of papier-mâché and filled with candy, inspired by piñata traditions and Jewish Purim celebrations — Lahav offered children a chance to engage in an act of joyful iconoclasm. This event not only provided a memorable experience for its young participants but also challenged the conventional boundaries of art spaces, making it a standout example of fun, museum-based contemporary art events tailored for children and families. This initiative marks a significant step towards creating more inclusive, engaging, and child-friendly environments within the contemporary art world.

Studio Lahav
SMASH ART