OLAM HABA: The World To Come
February 21st - March 28th 2009
Shrine, 2009, pigment on paper, 30 x 40 inches
For ’ÄúOlam Haba’Äù (Hebrew for ’Äúthe world to come’Äù), Oakland figurative ceramic artist Derek Weisberg transforms the space into a candle lit catacomb. This installation includes over 35 hand-sculpted pieces ranging from wall-mounted portrait busts to standing full figures in the round, which shall be illuminated only with the use of the candles mounted within them.
The use of candlelight plays a key roll in the transformation of the space as well as being a thematic element, a symbolic metaphor for life.
Derek’Äôs work is a tool to make sense of the world and life around him. His works are emotional and psychological self-portraits that express timeless human qualities and issues. This body of work addresses themes of death and mortality. At it’Äôs core the works reflect a humanist ideology; searching for truth and universal morality based on the commonality of the human condition.
Derek Weisberg’Äôs recent exhibitions include a solo show at Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta, and a solo show at Anno Domini in San Jose. He has also exhibited works in Pittsburg, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Baltimore, and Guadalajara, Mexico. He has work in the permanent collection at the Oakland Museum of California. He is a graduate of California College of Arts (and Crafts).
artist's website: www.derekweisberg.com