An Armenian artist sculpts historic Jerusalem in layers of paper and aluminum

This is a colorful collection of historical figures gathered in Karen Sargsyan's temporary studio, housed in an old moshav trash, ranging from King David, King Solomon and Queen of Sheba to Herod, Suleiman the Magnificent, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda and Anna Ticho.

What they all have in common is their influence on the city of Jerusalem and, for the moment, on their faces and multilayered bodies, carved in multi-layered paper sheets or layers sliced ​​aluminum, sometimes sprayed in bright and uniform colors, at other times left to their natural and silvery shine.

"I did not separate Jewish history and history, it's a great thing," Sargsyan said. "These guys are part of the story."

Receive the daily edition of the Times of Israel by email and never miss our best stories


Free registration

Sargsyan carved a total of nine figures, including Cyrus the Great, King of Persia, Herod the Great, Melisende the Queen Cross of Jerusalem, Suleiman the Magnificent.

They will soon be transferred to their temporary residence at the Tower of David Museum, as part of the "Rock Paper Scissors" exhibition that will open on July 8, starring Sargsyan, an artist Dutch of Armenian origin, known for its intrepid and intricate paper sculptures

Some of the figurines are human-sized sculptures, built around a wooden base, but strangely realistic, with facial expressions, members and bodies seemingly ready to move and act, thanks to Sargsyan's signature technique. 19659003] His style of factory was developed during art studies at the famous Rijksakademie Art School in Amsterdam, where Sargsyan moved with his family after suffering economic and political pressures in his homeland of Armenia. He also attributes his sculpting technique to his previous experience as a boxer and to his college studies, when he attended anatomy courses that helped him understand the body's workings. .

A Heroic King, Described by Artist Karen Sargsyan (Courtesy Ricky Rachman)

But this world-renowned paper artist remembers having turned to paper long before this period, as a kind from experience when he discovered the plans and lines of the human body

It was more than 20 years ago. . Since then, Sargsyan, now 45 years old, has made international appearances, notably in London with the Tate Modern and the Pompidou Center in France

. "These new Sarkisian works, created especially for this exhibition, bring a unique and modern interpretation to the historical characters of Jerusalem," said Eilat Lieber, director and chief curator of the Tower of David Museum. "The figures add an artistic dimension that visually expresses the hopes, influences, plans and challenges that accompany the history of the city through thousands of years."

Immerse yourself in Jewish biblical figures, or historical heroes known for their support of the Jewish or Israeli cause was not so simple for Sargsyan, whose Dutch colleagues and friends were watching this coming show with consternation for politics Israeli.

"I am not religious or political," said Sargsyan. "I approached this as a novice."

King David of Karen Sargysan, installed in front of the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem for the Rock Paper Scissors exhibition (courtesy Ricky Rachman)

He turned to a Bible study. read both the Old and New Testaments to understand the context of the Tower of David and become familiar with some of the biblical heroes, as well as literary interpretations of the Bible

"I needed to To interpret these people, "he said. . "To see what kind of influence they had on the city of Jerusalem."

Sargsyan and his wife came to Jerusalem three months ago, with a cargo of 100 kilograms of aluminum and over 2,500 knives, with plans to create nine works before the opening of the show in July.

Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the founder of the modern Hebrew language, recreated by Karen Sargsyan in layers of plastic Courtesy Ricky Rachman)

Some of the sculptures are the size of a human body, others are smaller, like Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, sitting at his desk, or Anna Ticho getting ready to paint.

Ben-Yehuda, in black, white, yellow and red, ends up being carved Thin plastic sheets, Sargsyan's interpretation of this person more 'modern, very contemporary'.

Anna Ticho, a round round figure holding an artist's palette, is in the pinks, purples and greens of her own watercolors, and made from spray-painted aluminum sheets on a solid,

The end result of each sculpture almost looks like a scarecrow, with layers of clipped and jagged paper and aluminum, but with sharp edges, offering face plans, bear hairs , movements in the limbs, curled edges of a helmet worn by Suleiman.

"It's been three months of intense work, day and night," said Sargsyan. "But the Tower of David is a very good place to do it."

A close-up of the Queen of Sheba, as portrayed by sculptor Karen Sargsyan, for "Rock Paper Scissors", opening on July 8 at the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem (courtesy of Ricky Rachman)

Activities and seminars will be organized for children, families and adults throughout the exhibition, open until October 1st.

Children's activities will be offered during the summer months. will focus on various techniques for using paper, paper cutting, gluing and soft materials to create multi-faceted shapes of different sizes.

Free entry to the Tower of David Children's Museum from July 15 to August 31 Sargsyan will also present lectures and art seminars for the community.