The short film Studio Visit with Gidi Gilam is available to watch at the top of the page.
Renowned for his thought-provoking street art, Gidi Gilam’s work adorns numerous walls across Tel Aviv. Gilam’s creations include paintings, sculptures, masks, and book art, each serving as a unique commentary on urban realities.
Gilam’s art serves as an emotive critique of contemporary society. Through his diverse mediums, he ceaselessly strives to dismantle our conventional perceptions, confronting the elusive quest for perpetual happiness. The chance encounter with his striking street art creates a poignant spectacle. His recurring motif of disturbing smiling men serves as a stark reflection of social superficiality in the digital age.
His artwork doesn’t merely exist; it interacts with its environment, echoing the gritty realities and vibrant paradoxes of city life. Gilam seeks to penetrate beneath the veneer of our day-to-day existence, challenging viewers to engage with the hidden depths of their surroundings and selves.
In the accompanying video, Gilam shares his unyielding commitment to street art. He uncovers the secret behind the deceitful smiles worn by his painted characters, further shedding light on his artistic philosophy. In essence, his work is a mirror held up to society, unflinchingly revealing its blemishes and beauty alike.
The featured video Studio Visit with Gidi Gilam is part of the web series Yotsrim by Shachaf Dekel. Yotsrim includes five seasons and 73 episodes. The series won the Best Documentary award at the NYC Web Fest in 2019.
