In the article that opens her book, David Gerstein s Sculptures, Irena Gordon quotes the artist s thoughts: " Since my childhood I have aspired to create a tangible object that touches those who observe it. I will use painting to describe objects on it."

Gersteins s work thus fulfills his wish. He creates objects from metal -- multi-layered statues and reliefs -- wherein exterior and interior spaces mingle and connect them to their environment. The surfaces of the
objects are painted with strong and variegated colors that steep the observer in an optimistic and dynamic atmosphere.

The big city, with its multitudes, is the source of content in Gerstein s work — it is clear that he identifies with the anonymous person who is part of the multitude, who moves in the urban expanse; he describes this person with representations that are full of humor and empathy. The figures, often single, often in groups — move from place to place — on foot, in cars and on bicycles — to the beat of the metropolis that contains the works.

As part of his representations of the exterior Gerstein frequently designs sports activities, like swimming, games with balls, and bicycle riding — as a tournament or as leisure time enjoyment for individuals. Personal space is presented in his works by dynamic still-lifes, part of which are framed by
windows, in front of which are placed surfaces of tables laden with vases of fresh, colorful flowers and with
varieties of foods — all in abundance. The atmosphere in these works is jolly and optimistic, full of movement and vitality.

The variegated colors, shining and clean, transform themselves into the subject in Gerstein s work. His brush strokes are bold, bordering on the abstract, moving in an orderly confusion, horizontally, on the
surfaces of the lined metal, with or without the addition of brushes or tubes of paint. Color as a subject bears witness to the artist s self-image as a sculptor, maker of reliefs, and painter.

Clearly, in Gerstein s work, there is a fruitful dialogue with American Pop artists and the Futurists — the themes of his works and the colors he uses correspond with the Pop works, while the dynamic aspect of his work holds a dialogue with Futurism. A combination of these characterizes David Gerstein s art.

Roni Rehav
Curator

Biography

Exhibited many one-person and group-shows in galleries and museums, in Israel and abroad, such as: The Israel
Museum, Haifa Museum, Hertzeliya Museum, Municipal Gallery Wiersen-Germany etc.

Represented by art-galleries, through out Europe, United- States, The Far-East, South-America and South-Africa.

Installed monumental-sculptures in public-spaces such as: The Hebrew University-Jerusalem, Tefen open
Museum, Ancient Avdat in the Negev, cities of Tel-Aviv, Hertzeliya, Holon, Rehovot, as well as London, Annecy and Singapore.

His Works are included in many private
collections in Israel and abroad.