Honoring Isaac Frenkel’s Artistic Journey from Odessa to Israel

A special guided tour of the new exhibition From Odessa to the Artists’ Quarter in Safed via Paris will be held on August 15 at the Moshe Castel Museum, offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to delve into the life and work of Jewish painter Isaac Frenkel. The tour will be led by the museum's chief curator, Dr. Alek D. Epstein, who will provide insights into Frenkel’s significant contributions to the art world and his journey from Ukraine to Israel.

Isaac Frenkel, a key figure in the School of Paris, began his artistic journey in Odesa, studying under the avant-garde artist Aleksandra Ekster during the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution. His early experiences in Odesa deeply influenced his artistic style and vision. In the aftermath of the revolution, Frenkel embarked on a life-changing journey to Israel, arriving on the Third Aliyah ship Ruslan, a vessel symbolic of the mass immigration of Jews to the Land of Israel in the early 20th century.

After settling in Israel, Frenkel's passion for art led him to Paris, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene of the City of Lights. It was there that he met influential artists such as Michel Kikoine and Chaïm Soutine, who were part of the École de Paris, a group of foreign artists who contributed to the flourishing artistic environment of early 20th-century Paris.

Frenkel's time in Paris profoundly impacted his work, as he absorbed the latest artistic trends and brought these influences back to Israel, enriching the budding art scene in what was then the emerging Hebrew state. His work played a pivotal role in introducing modernist European styles to Israeli art, bridging the cultural gap between Europe and the Middle East.

The exhibition From Odessa to the Artists’ Quarter in Safed via Paris traces Frenkel's artistic evolution, showcasing his journey from the streets of Odesa to the studios of Paris and ultimately to the Artists' Quarter in Safed, where he became a central figure in Israeli art. The exhibition highlights the cultural and artistic exchanges that shaped Frenkel's work and underscores his lasting legacy in both Israeli and Jewish art history.

Visitors to the Moshe Castel Museum will have the chance to explore Frenkel's masterpieces and gain a deeper understanding of his role in the development of Israeli art. The guided tour on August 15 promises to be an enriching experience, offering a window into the life of an artist who navigated the complexities of identity, culture, and creativity across different worlds.

For those interested in exploring the intersection of Jewish history, art, and culture, this exhibition and tour provide a meaningful way to honor Isaac Frenkel’s contributions to the art world and to appreciate the rich tapestry of influences that defined his work.

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