Tel Aviv artist spotlight Nelly Agassi

Author: Ira Riklis  |  Category: Tel Aviv

Spotlighting Nelly AgassiArt is in the eye of the beholder. The beauty of Tel Aviv artist Nelly Agassi’s work is that there is something for everyone. Nelly has been termed a performance artist; a multi-disciplinary artist that works in multiple mediums. Her art transcends time and space. The Jerusalem Center for Visual Arts website describes one of her shows in which she knits a dress around her body. During the performance, Nelly transforms the dress into a large “voluminous object” that she later sheds, as if to invoke the image of shedding an empty skin. Her artwork is edgy, unique and subject to interpretation. She uses various mediums such as knitting, fabrics, photography and much more. Her work can be seen in Tel Aviv, Chicago, New York and London. If you are seeking a unique cultural experience in Tel Aviv, check out the work of Nelly Agassi

Background & Collaborations

Nelly was born in Israel in 1973. She received the Master’s of Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, and her Bachelor’s of Fine Art from Central Saint Martins in London. Additionally, she has taken courses in her native Israel. Nelly divides her time between Tel Aviv and Chicago.

Nelly works with artist Claudia Hill. Hill’s website states that she and Nelly collaborate via email, telepathy and in person. Both believe that the resulting artwork transcends their respective cultures and backgrounds to form something unique.

Awards

The Dvir Gallery credits Nelly with the following awards and prizes. Each is a testament to the artist’s unique flair.
2011 Ministry of Culture and Sport Prize
2008 Award for artistic encouragement, Israel ministry of Science, Culture and Sport
2003 Nathan Gottesdiener Foundation for Israeli Art Prize, Tel Aviv Museum of Art
2000-01 America-Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarship

2000 Young Artist Prize

1999 America-Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarship

The Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center

Author: Ira Riklis  |  Category: Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv Performing Arts CenterThe Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, which is located in Tel Aviv’s cultural complex, was designed by Israeli architect, Yaakov Rechter, whose father was also an architect. The Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center was first opened to the public in 1994. It is located at Shaul Hamelech Blvd, between Weizmann St and Leonardo da Vinci St.

Construction Of The Arts Center

Constructing the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center within the cultural complex was likely perceived as an ingenious plan, as it opened many doors to performances that had not previously been performed on such a stage in Israel. It is a beautifully constructed modern complex. With its state-of-the art facilities, it is the ideal location for the Israeli Opera as well as the Israeli Ballet, both of which consider the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center their home.

Even the foyer itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by architect-designer Ron Arad. The foyer features a small amphitheater where performances are enjoyed, along with temporary art exhibits. A café allows guests to enjoy the architectural beauty of the Foyer and the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center itself.

Productions & Presentations for Everyone

The New Israeli Opera presents six productions each season, according to the Tel Aviv Guide. Patrons can also attend a short lecture prior to the performance to learn about the evening performance. Backstage tours are also available, at which time patrons can enjoy even more aspects of the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. Children’s performances are held periodically and children are given access to Israeli Opera through ongoing education programs.

The Israeli Ballet also performs throughout the year at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, featuring such prestigious performances as Madame Butterfly. Guest companies from around the world present a variety of dance and musical performances on occasion.

International festivals and unique exhibits held at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center helps to maintain the festive atmosphere and to keep it an attraction that residents and visitors from around the world enjoy. More than one million visitors enter into the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center on an annual basis to enjoy the performances, cultural events and architectural beauty of the TAPAC.