David Ben White installs family portraits in historic Tel Aviv penthouse

In an unoccupied penthouse in Tel Aviv, artist David Ben White has installed a series of family portraits. This space was once the home of Sarah, a psychiatrist trained in Berlin, who was born in Palestine nearly a century ago, and her husband Bandi, the building's architect. The apartment remains untouched, filled with books, a grand piano, artwork by Bandi and their notable friends, and a balcony adorned with plants that overlooks a transforming Tel Aviv. White's portraits, derived from close-up family photographs, were digitally simplified and crafted using dripped ink and collaged cutouts on pristine white board. These striking, deconstructed images in vivid colors are displayed throughout the space, some suspended on lines across the balcony, swaying gently in the wind. A video loop showcases the installation at various times of the day and night, adding depth to the experience without disrupting the flat's original story. As a cherished family friend, White's portraits capture smiling faces, yet their individuality is overshadowed by his vibrant, exploratory spirit. The work pays tribute to both the family and the art of painting, drawing inspiration from artists like Boltanski, Calder, and Bacon. For many years, the penthouse was the center of their tightly-knit family, with Sarah living there alone for a significant time following Bandi's death.