Based out of Jerusalem, the work of Shamah is in part a manifestation of the Jewish tradition and story, and in part an expression of sociopolitical and cultural critique, expressed through a mixed-media medium, incorporating oil paint, ink, watercolor, and manual collage.
In this vein, the series of collages, oil paintings, and their convergence in the form of mixed media, aims to answer grander questions of identity and history. These pieces waste no breath in immediately jumping to political questions, expressions of identity, and most importantly the attempt to combat modern-day apathy with an exploration of our history and collective human experience.
Other works on this site can be classified as “Judaica,” and stylized calligraphy. Primarily, Shamah works with newly engaged couples to design custom-made Ketubot (Wedding Documents) and calligraphies which represent their familial roots, aesthetic tastes, and the symbolism of ideals which they hope to exemplify in life and marriage. Additionally, one may commission a variety of personal pieces such as book plates, family trees, and book covers.
Shamah holds a degree in Art History and Jewish Studies, a Certificate in Cultural Heritage Preservation, and previously worked in historical archives, archaeological digs, and was the head curator of the Karmazin Gallery in New Brunswick, NJ.
Exhibitions:
Slava Ukraini – Solo Exhibition – Spring 2022 – Karmazin Gallery, Rutgers Univerity, Rutgers Hillel, New Jersey, USA Self Curated
Ohelibah – Solo Pop-Up Exhibition & Book Signing Event – August 29th, 2024 – SoMa Studio, Tel Aviv, Israel Poetry Reading & Book Presentation with Yonah ben Avraham, Curated by Olya Shtalberg
Current Projects:
Slava Ukraini Series: Original artwork made on a rolling basis, 50-90% of the proceeds going towards sending humanitarian aide, as well raising funds for defensive gear, for Ukraine
Publishing: Ohelibah, a collaborative work of poetry by Yonah ben Avraham, and mixed-media collages and paintings of Moshe Shamah, Studio Shamah – Released May 2024