Yoel
Gilinsky

I have always loved the graphic and pictorial design of Israel in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, which I find extremely descriptive, colorful, and happy. Growing up in Jerusalem, a decade after the establishment of the State of Israel, there was no computer, internet or even black-and-white television; there was little, our lives were modest. My late mother and grandmother were excellent cooks, and our kitchen was the heart and soul of the house. My childhood dreams consisted of the few toys and the many boxes and cans of food boxes we had in abundance. I was charmed by manufacturers such as "Assis", "C.D.", "Elite", "Lieber", "Rebel", by the movie posters of the time that were hand-painted by artists, and the signs in the streets printed with wonderful calligraphy. The artistic positioning of useful graphics at that time offered a creative space, integrated into childhood toys and "Israeliana" objects of the time, which were captivating to me as a child, full of compassion and joy. Above all, I loved and related to the designs of the wonderful Shamir brothers who were among the founding fathers of graphic design in Israel. To this day, items designed by the Shamir brothers are most desirable collectibles at Israel nostalgia fairs. Drawing their box designs always makes me happy and brings back joyful childhood memories. I am also inspired by artists such as Ze'ev Raban, Ephraim Moshe Lilien, Arthur Szyk, the Dudaim, Shoshana Damari, and many other representatives of the golden age of our young country, a country that emerged out of the Holocaust and out of a dream. My paintings are guided by memories and take me back in time.