In a world facing what David Breuer-Weil describes as "an age of insanity," art often emerges as a powerful medium of communication and remembrance.
This renowned London-based artist has been entrusted with a deeply meaningful task: designing a certificate for a memorial forest being planted by JNF (Jewish National Fund) to honor the victims of the October 7 attacks in Israel.
The forest, a living monument to those lost, will comprise over 1,200 trees planted near Ashkelon, just eight miles from the Gaza border. Each tree stands as a silent sentinel, a tribute to a life cut tragically short. Donors who contribute £100 or more to this poignant project will receive Breuer-Weil's specially designed certificate, a tangible connection to this act of remembrance and hope.
Breuer-Weil, deeply moved by the project, shares his creative process: "I immediately had the idea of an image of trees with birds, nests and eggs, obviously commemorating what happened, but also symbolic of the hope of new life and new beginnings." His design beautifully intertwines sorrow and hope, loss and renewal.
For Breuer-Weil, this project resonates profoundly with his artistic philosophy. "As an artist, I see this whole forest as a living artwork that I'm involved with, a new forest that represents all the lost souls," he explains, "It feels very good to be part of something that will grow into the future."
The artist's connection to nature as a symbol runs deep in his work. He views nature as "the clearest expression of creation and God that we have." This belief is evident in his earlier works, such as "Forest," a painting that powerfully depicts cut-down trees with saplings growing on the stumps – a haunting yet hopeful image of regeneration after the Holocaust.
Breuer-Weil's recent works have been a visceral response to current events. Within a month of October 7, he completed "Morning," one of his "most ambitious" paintings yet. The piece, deliberately sized to match Picasso's famous "Guernica," captures the raw emotions of that fateful day.
Another powerful piece, "Taken," was inspired by the hostages held in Gaza. Each painted world in the artwork represents a person, a poignant reminder of the Talmudic teaching that saving one life is akin to saving an entire world – a concept Breuer-Weil had previously explored in a sculpture at Sha'are Zedek hospital in Jerusalem.
The artist emphasizes that his creations, while deeply personal, also serve as important historical records. "I have all this pent-up emotion, and when I express it and it works visually, it's a great feeling of release and catharsis," he explains. "It almost feels like artists have a duty to mark historical moments because often that's all that's left in the future."
As the JNF memorial forest takes root in Israeli soil, nurtured by the memory of those lost and the hope for a peaceful future, Breuer-Weil's certificate will stand as a testament to the enduring power of art to heal, remember, and inspire.
* The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.
