The short film Studio Visit with Zeev Engelmayr is available to watch at the top of the page.
In a pivotal moment at the retrospective exhibition of renowned artist Zeev Engelmayr, an unlikely hero was given life beyond the page. Engelmayr’s illustrated character, Shoshke, leapt from the comic book confines into the real world, transforming from mere illustration into an activist pulsating with Engelmayr’s cultural commentary.
Since Shoshke’s dynamic emergence, Engelmayr has regularly adopted her persona at cultural events and social protests. The transformation Engelmayr undergoes is not solely physical – though he steps into Shoshke’s costume and makeup – but also profoundly psychological, a fact I had the opportunity to witness during our insightful interview at the exhibition. In the extroverted character of Shoshke, Engelmayr finds a liberating platform to fearlessly tackle taboo subjects and underlying social tensions that continually fuel his creative pursuits.
Guided by Engelmayr in his Shoshke attire, I ventured through the corridors of the exhibition. The walls came alive with a varied assortment of Engelmayr’s works: radiant cartoons, thought-provoking collages, captivating paintings, intricate sculptures, and immersive installations. Each piece stands as a testament to Engelmayr’s multi-faceted talent and his unique outlook on contemporary culture.
Accompanying this article is a video in which Engelmayr, as Shoshke, unfolds his artistic intentions. Shoshke articulates her dedication to challenging outdated social norms and gender conventions, inviting viewers to scrutinize their beliefs and social constructs. Engelmayr’s art extends beyond mere spectacle – it serves as an invitation to self-reflection and a rallying cry for change.
Zeev Engelmayr, through the persona of Shoshke, presents a striking instance of an artist wielding their craft to provoke dialogue and challenge the status quo. With each canvas and comic strip, he nudges us to question our complacency and sparks a desire to instigate social change.
The featured video Studio Visit with Zeev Engelmayr 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.
