In “The Artist Whose Oct. 7 Series ‘Attracts Fire’,” Zoya Cherkassky, a Kyiv-born artist, captures the seismic world events in Ukraine and the Middle East through her highly personal drawings. Following an attack in Israel, Cherkassky found solace and an outlet for her emotions by creating artwork that depicted the horrors of war. Inspired by Modernist works like Picasso’s “Guernica” and Munch’s “The Scream,” her series, titled “7 October 2023,” portrays three generations of a family in hiding, desperately staring at the viewer with unmasked horror. This powerful and thought-provoking exhibition is currently on view at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan, offering a glimpse into the artist’s perspective on the tumultuous events unfolding in the world.
Background Information
Zoya Cherkassky’s response to seismic world events in Ukraine and the Middle East:
Zoya Cherkassky, a Kyiv-born artist, has been deeply affected by the seismic world events unfolding in Ukraine and the Middle East. These events have had a profound impact on her work and artistic expression. Cherkassky’s highly personal responses to these events can be seen in her artwork, which reflects the unease, horror, and confusion that many people feel in the face of such turmoil.
Her highly personal artistic approach:
Cherkassky’s artistic approach is highly personal, allowing her to convey her emotions and experiences through her artwork. She draws inspiration from her own life and the lives of those around her, creating pieces that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. This approach allows her to connect with viewers on a profound level, eliciting strong emotional responses and sparking meaningful conversations about the state of the world.
Influences from Modernist works like Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ and Munch’s ‘The Scream’:
Cherkassky has drawn inspiration from Modernist works like Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ and Munch’s ‘The Scream.’ These iconic artworks, known for their powerful depictions of suffering and horror, have had a significant impact on Cherkassky’s artistic style and subject matter. By referencing these influential works, Cherkassky pays homage to the artists who have come before her while adding her own unique voice to the canon of art history.
Zoya Cherkassky’s Drawing
Description of the drawing ‘7 Oct. 2023’:
Cherkassky’s drawing ‘7 Oct. 2023’ is a powerful portrayal of the aftermath of a tragic event. The drawing depicts three generations of a family seemingly in hiding, their expressions filled with horror and desperation. The mother is shown covering her baby’s mouth to keep it quiet, adding a layer of tension and fear to the scene. Above the family, a solitary lightbulb emits jagged illumination. This reference to Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ serves as a visual quotation, further emphasizing the connection between the horrors of past and present conflicts.
Depiction of a family in hiding and their expressions of horror:
In ‘7 Oct. 2023,’ Cherkassky depicts a family in hiding, seeking safety from an unknown threat. The expressions on their faces convey a deep sense of horror and desperation, as they peer out at the viewer with wide eyes full of fear. Through her masterful use of lines and shading, Cherkassky captures the raw emotions that come with living in a world plagued by violence and uncertainty.
Quotation of ‘Guernica’ through the use of a solitary lightbulb:
Cherkassky’s utilization of a solitary lightbulb in ‘7 Oct. 2023’ is a direct reference to Picasso’s ‘Guernica.’ In ‘Guernica,’ the lightbulb represents the sole source of illumination amidst the chaos and destruction of war. Cherkassky’s inclusion of this visual element in her drawing serves as a powerful quotation, drawing a parallel between the horrors of the past and the present. It also serves as a symbol of hope, reminding viewers that even in the darkest of times, there is still a glimmer of light that can guide us through.
Cherkassky’s Reaction to the Oct. 7 Attack in Israel
Her shock and terror:
Like many Israelis, Cherkassky was shocked and terrified by the Oct. 7 attack in Israel. The suddenness and brutality of the attack left her feeling vulnerable and afraid for the safety of herself and her loved ones. This traumatic event served as a catalyst for her artistic expression, inspiring her to create works that reflect the emotions and experiences of those affected by such acts of violence.
Decision to leave Israel and travel to Munich and Berlin:
In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, Cherkassky made the difficult decision to leave Israel and travel to Munich and Berlin. These cities hold personal significance for her, as she has family in Berlin and previously lived in Munich. Seeking solace and a change of scenery, Cherkassky embarked on this journey with her daughter, Vera, in the hopes of finding a sense of peace and healing.
The importance of drawing as a way to cope with the changing world:
For Cherkassky, drawing serves as a vital coping mechanism in the face of a changing world. It allows her to process her emotions, make sense of her experiences, and communicate her thoughts and feelings to others. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, art becomes a source of stability and catharsis, giving Cherkassky a sense of purpose and agency.
Drawing Series
Creation of 11 more drawings after the first one:
After creating the initial drawing ‘7 Oct. 2023,’ Cherkassky felt compelled to continue expressing herself and exploring the themes it represented. She produced 11 more drawings, each one delving deeper into the complexities of fear, loss, and hope in the midst of violence and upheaval. Together, these drawings form a cohesive series that tells a powerful narrative of resilience and the human spirit.
Installation of the series ‘7 October 2023’ at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan:
Cherkassky’s series ‘7 October 2023’ has been installed at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan, where it is currently on view. The installation allows viewers to experience the full emotional impact of Cherkassky’s drawings, immersing themselves in the artist’s world of pain, hope, and resilience. The exhibition provides a space for reflection and dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience in times of crisis.
Exhibition Details
Duration of the exhibition at the Jewish Museum:
The exhibition of Zoya Cherkassky’s series ‘7 October 2023’ will be on view at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan for a duration of three months. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with the artwork and explore the themes it addresses during this time.
Impressions and reactions to the series:
The series has garnered significant attention and sparked meaningful conversations among viewers. Many have been moved by the raw emotions and powerful storytelling depicted in Cherkassky’s drawings. The exhibition has been praised for its ability to capture the human experience in times of crisis and its profound resonance with current global events.
Visitor information:
The exhibition at the Jewish Museum is open to the public and welcomes visitors of all ages. It provides an immersive and thought-provoking experience, offering a unique perspective on the impact of world events on individuals and communities. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the artwork and reflect on their own responses to the themes presented in the series.
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