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Evgeny Merman, born in Kyiv and now based in Tel Aviv, has carved out a unique space in the contemporary art world, blending history, culture, and personal experience into his work. His latest series, Noah & the Rest, currently on display at the Wertheimer Gallery in Tel Aviv, reinterprets the biblical tale of Noah, exploring the dualities of righteousness and human flaws. 

In this series, Merman reimagines Noah as a complex figure, both savior and sinner. “I view Noah as a wandering figure, not unlike the ‘Wandering Jew’ in his perpetual journey. He is both an observer and participant, embodying a duality that I find fascinating. His story, much like our own, is one of survival, choices, and consequences,” says Merman, drawing on the richness of religious and cultural symbols. The vibrant colors and layered symbolism in his work combine elements from Paul Klee, Soviet visual language, and even Katsushika Hokusai’s ukiyo-e prints. Through this eclectic fusion, Merman captures the universality of Noah as a figure present in monotheistic religions, yet deeply relatable in today’s world. 

Merman’s creative process is fueled by his travels and experiences, which he captures in sketchpads and notebooks along the way. “I often observe these cultures from a distance, not always participating directly but instead absorbing details that resonate with my artistic practice. This form of observation allows me to reflect on what I’ve seen, translating it into future works.” For him, these moments act as a wellspring of inspiration, constantly pushing his artistic practice forward. “When I look back through these notes, I often rediscover ideas or emotions tied to specific places and times. These travel memories become a fertile ground for new works, allowing me to constantly evolve my practice with each new place I encounter.” 

Merman sees himself as a sort of “Wandering Jew” in his personal life as well—an observer and absorber of different cultures, people, and moments, which eventually find their way into his works. “I’m a perpetual traveler. I often feel like the Wandering Jew, constantly moving, observing, learning, but never fully participating. This wandering nature lets me bring a fresh, somewhat distant perspective to my art, which is rooted in my observations.” 

In addition to his explorations of cultural narratives, Merman has also incorporated cutting-edge technology into his work through residencies like the Blockchain Art project in Kyiv. “The residency was intensely collaborative, and we were tasked with learning and incorporating VR technology into our works. The challenge was immediate—learn in the morning, create by the afternoon.” Partnering with young Ukrainian artist Oksana Fedchyshyn, they developed a VR piece focusing on sustainable environments. “It was an exciting and forward-looking project, blending technology with urgent ecological themes,” Merman recalls. 

His time at ArtLab/Herzl 119 in Tel Aviv was a stark contrast, taking place during the COVID pandemic and marked by isolation. “For almost three months, I was alone in a large studio space, which led me to reflect deeply on themes of brotherhood and community. The solitude forced me to turn inward, examining not just my relationship with others, but also with myself.” This period of isolation allowed Merman to explore the concept of what he calls the “brotherhood of proximity,” reflecting on the quiet, often unnoticed connections we form with those around us. 

Merman’s work, rich with symbolism and layered narratives, continues to resonate with audiences across the globe. His latest series, Noah & the Rest, challenges viewers to rethink historical and biblical figures, positioning them in the context of modern-day conflicts and dilemmas. His website, evgenymerman.art, serves as a digital platform to showcase his evolving body of work and allows for a deeper dive into his artistic journey. 

“I have always been drawn to Socrates’ idea that “Discussio mater veritas est”—discussion is the mother of truth, though in this case, the truth is not the endpoint but the process itself. My art reflects this belief, acting as a medium through which I examine life’s complexities—both mine and those of the world around me,” says Merman, offering insight into the philosophical underpinnings of his practice. Through this constant self-examination, Merman’s art continues to grow, shaped by a diverse range of influences, both personal and historical.