From the other side - with Noma Bar

Noma Bar, the internationally renowned Israeli illustrator known for his minimalist style and clever use of negative space, has opened his first solo museum exhibition in Israel. The exhibit, titled Look Again (Mitzad Sheni in Hebrew), launched at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art on August 5, 2026, and features a diverse collection of his work spanning more than 25 years. The exhibition includes drawings, two- and three-dimensional prints, animations, sculptures, and installations, offering visitors a comprehensive look at Bar's artistic evolution. Born Avinoam Bernstein in 1973 in Afula, Israel, Bar began drawing at a young age, often infusing his creations with satirical elements. One early example was a drawing of his wealthy neighbor, where the man’s teeth were replaced with financial graphs. By the time he was 17, during the First Gulf War, Bar was sketching in shelters, inspired by reports about Saddam Hussein and chemical weapons. He noticed a striking similarity between the radiation symbol and Hussein’s face, leading him to create a portrait that would become a defining piece of his career. This image resurfaced in 2000 after he moved to London, where it was printed as a postcard, marking the beginning of his professional journey. Over the years, Bar’s work has graced the covers of prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, The Guardian, The New York Times, The Economist, and Time Out. His illustrations have also adorned the covers of bestselling books by authors like Margaret Atwood and Haruki Murakami. Additionally, he has contributed to major campaigns for cultural institutions and global brands, including Apple, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Netflix. Despite his international acclaim, Bar has always maintained a connection to his roots. After spending nearly half his life in London, he returned to Israel to present his work in a solo exhibition for the first time. The exhibition, curated by Yuval Saar, draws on themes of perception and duality, reflecting Bar’s interest in how viewers interpret visual information. The title Mitzad Sheni translates to "From the Other Side," emphasizing the idea of viewing things from different perspectives, both literally and metaphorically. In an interview, Bar described visiting the exhibition twice and noted the impact of the vibrant colors and the psychological challenge of interpreting his pieces. He likened the experience to taking a Rorschach test or examining the famous Rubin vase illusion, which presents two distinct images depending on how one perceives the negative space. However, Bar clarified that his inspiration comes more from typography and design principles rather than formal psychological theories. The exhibition has attracted a broad audience, including both adults and families with children. Visitors are encouraged to engage deeply with the artwork, exploring the interplay of positive and negative spaces, which Bar considers essential in design and architecture. He explained that understanding the gaps between objects and maximizing available space is crucial for architects and designers, though it is less commonly applied in traditional illustration. Bar emphasized that while his work occasionally touches on political themes, the current exhibition focuses primarily on visual storytelling and perception. He expressed excitement about showcasing his work in Hebrew, noting the unique experience of seeing his illustrations alongside the Hebrew alphabet. Having previously viewed his work in multiple languages, he found it particularly meaningful to return to Israel and share his art in its native tongue. The exhibition will remain open through the end of the year, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore Bar’s creative vision. As part of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art’s programming, the exhibit aims to bridge the gap between contemporary illustration and classical design principles, inviting audiences to reconsider how they view the world around them.