Israeli art duo leave their mark on Cape Town

JORDAN MOSHE

While their street art is all over Israel, this Jerusalem duo, known as Brothers of Light, were invited to participate in the 2018 International Public Arts Festival in Cape Town last month.

The aim of the festival is to harness the power and creativity of art to improve people’s lives. To this end, it goes beyond showcasing work that makes neighbourhoods appear more beautiful as it works to uplift street artists and transform their communities by teaching children how to be creative, stimulating new businesses and creating jobs.

Elna and Gab are known for using unique characters and symbols that appear to be derived from ancient civilisations, be they Egyptian or Oriental. They introduced novel designs and images to their Cape Town mural that they felt would best communicate how they felt about the difficulties faced by residents living with a limited water supply.

“It was our first time in South Africa and also our first time hearing about the water crisis there,” they told the SA Jewish Report via email. “Through our art, we tried to raise awareness about the people’s plight, while using ornamental elements that combine different cultures. We wanted to communicate these ideas in the most organic way possible.”

Beyond their artistic endeavours, the brothers took the opportunity to engage with our local culture. “We met incredible people and talented artists from all around the globe. It took us four days to paint the wall, and although we worked hard, we never missed the beautiful sunsets.

 “While we were busy painting the wall, many people were curious about what we were up to. They were enthusiastic to find out that we are from Israel.”

 “The underdogs, the street culture and people on the fringe are what we are interested in representing. As artists, however, we believe that art should be free from location and stigmas. We’re about art for the sake of art,” they explained.

Elna and Gab were brought to South Africa by Tararam, the South Africa Israel culture fund. This fund promotes Israeli culture around South Africa by sending South African artists to Israel and bringing Israeli artists to South Africa.