The Challenge of the Universe / Mika - Israel art

In her first solo exhibition in Tel Aviv, Heidi Stern presents a body of work that draws inspiration from literature, science, stars and galaxies. Weathered and yellowed with age, The Challenge of the Universe, is a small, well-bound book full of character. This chance, flea-market find roused her interest with its discussions concerning the origin of the universe, the Milky Way Galaxy, telescopes and other instruments of extra terrestrial exploration. Stirred by the written work, Stern’s drawings on the worn, text-filled pages call to mind other cultures, and other times. Her outer-worldly illustrations still ultimately find their source of inspiration from the people of the world around us.

Her musings are truly an intercultural collage – a metamorphosis of creatures both man and animal, brought to life by a touch of humor and charm. With her understanding of aesthetics and her exceptional sensitivity, her dialogue plays into our own interpretations and perspectives, shedding light on life's age old questions.

Giving us a glimpse into a fairly frightening, grotesque world by using commonplace objects, her series of eerie, masked sculptures were also inspired by the text.

Heidi Stern, graduate of the Universität der Künste (HDK) Berlin, returned to Israel after 25 years in Germany. She then studied at the Kalisher School of the Arts in Tel Aviv and has since presented her work in various shows including one at the Haifa Museum in an exhibition titled “Wild Exaggeration”.