‘Mini Art’ exhibit opens in Jaffa

Adelightful exhibition of all manner of small works of art under the generic title “Mini Art” – which can be enjoyed equally by children and adults – is on display at the Jaffa Museum of Antiquities.

From conventional small-scale reproductions of real-life scenes to nano-art generated by the fusion of art, science and technology, the gallery is showcasing the works of 180 local and international artists in a variety of genres.

The highlight of the exhibition is the work of extraordinary British artist Willard Wigan, who attended its opening last week. His work has been described as the eighth wonder of the world and is, simply put, unbelievable. He creates sculptures so tiny they cannot be seen by the naked eye, and are only visible under a microscope.

Yet when you do see them – one set in the eye of a needle, another on the head of a pin – they are perfect in every detail. He has created minute houses, animals, the Statue of Liberty and even a sculpture of Homer and Bart Simpson.

Wigan’s story is amazing and inspiring and a video shown next to his works tells it all. From illiterate school drop-out to a millionaire and with the title of MBE (Member of the British Empire) from the queen, it’s an object lesson in what can be achieved with determination and talent.

I was drawn to the wonderful miniatures of Goldie Hollander, since she is both my teacher and friend. Considered the country’s primary miniaturist, Belgian-born Hollander recently held a one-woman exhibition of her incredible dioramas in Ra’anana, and the thousands of visitors marveled at how she can create small-scale reproductions of familiar scenes, whether fairy-tales brought to life, or more prosaic kitchens and gardens filled with her whimsical creations.

Other talented miniaturists include mother and daughter Sarit Eshed and Limor Moyal, who also honed their craft with Hollander.

Several of their collections are displayed, including a shelf of miniature chairs from all countries and periods and a delightful collection of miniature shoes.

There is also a model railway chugging its way through dense mini-forests with every possible railway accoutrement in miniature, a joy to behold.

For the less literal minded, some of the nano-art on display is also fascinating, with stunning high-resolution photographs of natural phenomena as seen by electron microscope. Regular miniature photography is also represented, notably in the works of American artist Audrey Heller.

The exhibition is curated by Limor Lahav Margulis and supported by the Israeli Friends of Rabin Medical Center who will benefit from any sales, although much of the work is not for sale.

The exhibition runs until June 30 at the Old Jaffa Museum of Antiquities, 10 Mifratz Shlomo St., Old Jaffa and is open for groups midweek and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Shabbat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information call (03) 603-7700