Art occupies a space w here words don’t suffice; it is often a form of expression compelled by a combination of circumstances and of the artist him- or herself. The idea in a painting is often layered and multifaceted. Consider it from various angles. Consider the artwork also as a historical source. As it is inevitably impacted by circumstance at least to some degree, consider what it says about the reality in which it was made.

Liz Elsby presents how exploring the artistic aspects of a painting, together with the context in which it was created and the questions it raises, combine to deepen our understanding of the Holocaust as a human event.

Featured Presenter:  Liz Elsby is an artist, graphic designer, and guide at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Israel

 “I have been illustrating and painting since I was a little girl growing up in the United States. I moved to Israel in 1984 and served as a graphic artist in the Israel Defense Forces from 1985 to 1987. After my release from military service, I attended the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Jerusalem, graduating in 1991 with a degree in illustration and graphic design. Since then, I have worked as an illustrator, artist, and mum.  In 1996, I was the Courtroom Artist present at the trial of Yigal Amir, who assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.  My illustrations of the trial were seen daily on Israel TV channel one, as well as on CNN, CBS, and in various Israeli newspapers.”