Ariela Wertheimer's 'Last Supper' Reimagined for the Social Media Age at Venice Biennale

Israeli artist Ariela Wertheimer presents 'Jaffa Venice - The Freedom to Let Go (Light Boxes 2017)' at Palazzo Mora in Venice, running until November 26 as part of the Venice Biennale. The project, previously shown in Tel Aviv's old city of Jaffa, features a contemporary reinterpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper' through twelve paintings. Each work combines canvas, metal, photography, and paint, depicting a backlit personal story. Wertheimer, a former oncologist and military doctor born in Tel Aviv in 1957, collaborated with curator Aharon Farkash of Farkash Gallery in Tel Aviv. The installation reflects on the present era of sharing and selfies, with each painting resembling a snapshot meant for Facebook. Portraits include Marco (of Chinese origin despite his name), Paolo the gondolier, and the late Zsa Zsa Gabor, who died at 99 and married nine times. Monumental works like 'The Institute of Marriage' feature performative painting where the artist engages with the canvas. The exhibition pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci rather than Gospel narratives, focusing on contemporary social media culture.