Yam Shalev, born in 1996, expresses his observations through paintings that reflect his keen observational personality. Rather than actively participating, he sees himself as an observer in the situations he encounters. Through his artwork, he utilizes this perspective to analyze human behaviors, scenes, and interactions, providing insight into himself and his relationships within his surroundings.
A significant theme in Shalev’s work revolves around contemporary culture, often centered around tables, food, and still-life elements. He explores the vast possibilities of experiencing people, places, and times while describing their experiences without directly depicting the individuals involved. Shalev raises questions about the significance of our physical possessions and what they reveal about us, especially in a world that predominantly emphasizes the figurative representation of the human experience.
Shalev’s body of work delves into celebratory, intimate, romantic, and vulnerable moments, sharing these personal experiences visually. By focusing on repetitive objects and settings in his compositions, he seeks to define experiences, cultures, and groups of people without explicitly featuring the participants.
Furthermore, Shalev’s art serves as a means of translating the ongoing transformation and catharsis he undergoes while becoming more self-reflective. It provides an opportunity for him to narrate personal stories and experiences encompassing happiness, grief, love, loss, and growth. Through his observational personality, he captures fleeting moments, echoes of people, and the unique places and situations that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.