Between Water and Sky: David Gerstein’s New Exhibition Opens in Givatayim

On Friday, March 28th, the vibrant world of David Gerstein opened its doors to the public once again—this time, in an unexpected form. The renowned Israeli artist, celebrated for his iconic metal sculptures and exuberant use of color, has returned to his first love: painting. And he has done so in grand style with a large-scale oil-on-canvas exhibition titled “Between Water and Sky”, now on display at The Water Institute in Givatayim.

A Pond, A Studio, A Muse

The spark for this latest series began with something beautifully simple: a koi pond. Installed in the courtyard of his studio near Beit Shemesh, Gerstein filled the pond with colorful koi fish and began observing their every move. The gentle ripple of water, the graceful motion of the fish, the shifting reflections of sky and light—all became his palette. These natural impressions transformed into majestic oil paintings, each one bursting with energy, color, and a sense of joyful realism.

Gerstein’s koi are not just fish; they are dancers, dreamers, and muses swimming through richly layered worlds that float somewhere between the tangible and the fantastical. His command of light, shadow, texture, and reflection elevates these works beyond realism into something deeply meditative—and unmistakably Gerstein.

Painting Like He Knows How

While Gerstein’s name is often associated with his metal cutout sculptures—bicycles, butterflies, hearts, and other iconic forms—he began his artistic journey as a painter. Over the years, critics have sometimes labeled his work as commercial or even kitsch, but Gerstein has never let such labels define him. Instead, he has continued to create, to play, and to explore with fearless curiosity.

This exhibition is a powerful reminder that he can paint—masterfully so. These paintings are lush, layered, and immersive, each one pulling the viewer into a tranquil world that feels like a welcome escape from the noise outside. “There’s something escapist about it,” Gerstein shared in a recent Haaretz article. “I don’t paint what’s happening in the world. When I create, I want the work to last for generations.”

Not Political, But Perhaps That’s Political Too

In the same interview, Gerstein acknowledges the paradox in his work: “Maybe this form of escape is also a kind of political statement,” he says. “After all, it’s hard to bear the news.”

With this series, Gerstein invites us to step out of the moment and into a timeless, floating world. A world where koi fish glide silently through lily pads, and the water reflects not only the sky, but also the imagination of one of Israel’s most beloved artists.

Exhibition Details

“Between Water and Sky” by David Gerstein

Curator: Doron Polak

📍 The Water Institute, Givatayim

🗓️ Opening: Friday, March 28th, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Gerstein’s painterly side at its fullest expression. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his art, “Between Water and Sky” is a visual meditation worth diving into.