The Travel Books – The Bible

At the end of his military service, Yaron Steinberg embarked on an extensive journey around the world, a common rite of passage for many young Israelis. From 2004 to 2007, he traveled across North America, Central America, the Far East, and Europe.
His series of travel books, created in 2011, several years after his return to Israel, delves into the intense emotional experiences he encountered during his three years of travel. This series is based on eight books that Steinberg purchased and subsequently transformed through painting, carving, collage, and burning – techniques that reflect his profound inner journey during his worldly travels.
The final piece in this series is an old Russian Bible that the artist bought in Jerusalem. One of its pages bears the handwritten inscription: “I forgot more than you will ever know.” This poignant statement encapsulates the fierce memories Steinberg carries, without pride but also without regret, embracing a sober and honest acceptance of reality.