Bidspirit auction | Itiy Gabi

Itiy Gabi - The Rebbe – A Look of Blessing. 15x15 Print on canvas with hand-painted intervention, framed in a wooden box-style frame. The portrait of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994), one of the most influential and revered figures in the Jewish world of the 20th century, is given a contemporary and intriguing visual interpretation by Itia Gabi. The Rebbe, the seventh leader of Chabad Hasidism, was known as a spiritual leader with an extraordinary vision, who encouraged action, personal responsibility, love of Israel and the spread of light and hope to every person. In this work, the artist combines printmaking techniques with manual painting. On top of the original print, Itia Gabi added layers of paint with a brush, which give depth, liveliness and a personal presence to the figure. In this way, each work becomes a work of art with a unique character, bearing the artist's hand and not perceived as a mere print. The Rebbe is presented with a direct gaze, full of compassion and wisdom of life. His gentle facial expression and implied smile create a sense of human closeness, while the bright and unusual pink background transports the figure from historical memory to contemporary visual discourse. The contrast between the traditional black clothing and the bold colors creates a fascinating tension between tradition and modernity, between holiness and pop culture, and between A familiar image for a new artistic interpretation. The deep frame emphasizes the presence of the work in space and intensifies the feeling of an intimate encounter with one of the most significant figures in contemporary Judaism. This is a work that combines memory, faith and personal artistic expression – a contemporary tribute to a figure whose influence crosses borders, communities and generations. Itiy Gabi Print on canvas with hand-painted additions (Mixed Media), framed in a wooden frame. Portrait of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.