A work by Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson has been commissioned to appear in the Israel Museum.
According to Art Daily, the work – entitled “Whenever the Rainbow Appears” – is comprised of 300 individual paintings, each one showing a progression of color on the spectrum of the rainbow. It is to be installed at the end of an enclosed walkway between the museum entrance and an entrance pavillion.
Elíasson was selected along with Anish Kapoor to create installations for the museum. “Eliasson and Kapoor are recognized for creating visually striking works that inspire engagement, interaction, and awe—and we are thrilled to be working with them on two exceptional commissions for our renewed campus,” said James S. Snyder, Anne and Jerome Fisher Director of the Israel Museum. “These new works will enhance the experience of our visitors with our unique site, setting, and architecture, while also continuing our notable history of engaging with contemporary artists.”
The title of the work is taken from the Bible; specifically, Genesis 9:16 – “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
The work is expected to be unveiled with the museum’s opening on 26 July.
(Photo: sacred-destinations.com)