The Blind Merchant

Kunstner

Roee Rosen

Født i Rehovot, Israel

The Architect of Fictional Realities

Roee Rosen stands as a singular, multidisciplinary force within the contemporary art world, weaving together the threads of a painter, novelist, and filmmaker to construct an intricate, often unsettling artistic universe. Born in Rehovot, Israel, Rosen’s intellectual foundations were laid through the study of philosophy and comparative literature at Tel Aviv University. This academic rigor later merged with a profound formal training in New York, where he earned his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in 1989 and his MFA from Hunter College in 1991. His work is not merely a collection of images or narratives but a deliberate, subversive exploration of identity, memory, and the political economy of trauma.

The essence of Rosen’s practice lies in his ability to undermine the normative implications of identity through the use of irony, fictionalization, and revision. He possesses a unique talent for creating an artistic cosmos that feels both deeply historical and hauntingly surreal. By linking current Israeli and global politics with mythical and political references to European and Jewish history, he navigates the tension between truth and horror. His creative process often involves the invention of non-existent personas, such as the Belgian-born surrealist painter Justine Frank or the Russian-Jewish émigré Efim Poplavsky, using these fabricated biographies to probe the boundaries of historical authenticity and the manipulation of memory.

Symbolism and the Transgressive Canon

Rosen’s visual and narrative language is a dense tapestry of iconographic motifs and codes. He frequently draws from the canon of the historical avant-garde and transgressive traditions, finding inspiration in figures ranging from the Marquis de Sade to Georges Bataille. This allows him to transform popular media, political propaganda, and even classic children's fairy tales into tools for critical inquiry. His work often addresses the representation of desire and structural violence, utilizing a vast array of characters to challenge how we perceive the "other" and how history is constructed through power dynamics.

The psychological ambition of his work is perhaps most evident in his ability to evoke profound emotional responses—ranging from fascination to deep discomfort. Through his films and paintings, Rosen explores the intersection of theological consciousness and historical trauma. His projects often function as meta-commentaries on the politics of remembrance, particularly regarding the use and abuse of the Holocaust in modern identity formation. By presenting works that are simultaneously delirious and hallucinatory, he forces the viewer to confront the absurdity and obscenity of what is often deemed unspeakable in the public sphere.

A Legacy of Provocation and Pedagogy

Throughout his career, Rosen has achieved significant recognition on the international stage, with exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. His controversial exhibition, Live and Die as Eva Braun, which was famously attacked by politicians, remains a landmark moment in his career, demonstrating his commitment to exploring the most provocative edges of historical memory. From solo retrospectives of his filmic work to large-scale installations, his presence in the global art dialogue is marked by an uncompromising intellectual bravery.

Beyond the gallery and the cinema, Rosen contributes to the future of the arts through his role as a professor at HaMidrasha – Faculty of the Arts, Beit Berl College, and at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. His career is characterized by a continuous evolution, moving between different media while maintaining a consistent focus on the complexities of human identity and the shadows of history. His contributions continue to challenge the boundaries of what art can achieve when it dares to inhabit the space between fiction and reality.

Museum

THAT'S CONTEMPORARY

Udstillet i Milan, Italy

THAT'S CONTEMPORARY: A Milanese Hub for Contemporary Art

Milan, Italy – THAT’S CONTEMPORARY stands as a singular testament to the evolving landscape of Italian art. Founded in 2011, this innovative cultural platform isn’t merely documenting contemporary artistic endeavors; it actively cultivates an independent network connecting artists, galleries, and audiences—a deliberate departure from traditional museum models. Its mission is simple yet profound: to illuminate Milan's dynamic creative spirit and foster a deeper appreciation for modern art forms.

Mapping the Scene:

Launched as a response to the need for centralized artistic mapping, THAT’S CONTEMPORARY swiftly established itself as the go-to resource for discovering exhibitions and emerging talent within Milan.

Bridging Connections:

Unlike conventional institutions focused on preservation, THIS platform prioritizes engagement—facilitating dialogues between artists and collectors alike.

Collection Highlights & Artistic Explorations

While lacking a permanent collection in the traditional sense, THAT’S CONTEMPORARY offers visitors an immersive journey into Milanese contemporary art. The platform champions exhibitions showcasing diverse mediums—photography, sculpture, installation art—often featuring groundbreaking perspectives on societal issues and artistic experimentation. Notably, explorations of architectural spaces like Viafarini contribute to this experience, highlighting innovative approaches to gallery design and fostering stimulating conversations about artistic presentation.

Featured Works:

Among the showcased pieces are captivating artworks such as Gerhard Richter’s ‘Domplatz, Mailand,’ a masterful black & white photograph capturing Milanese grandeur—a testament to realism infused with aged aesthetic qualities.

Fashion Forward Inspiration:

Águeda Isabel Ruiz de la Prada’s ‘Dress with Synthetic-Suede Squares,’ presented during Milan Fashion Week, exemplifies the platform's commitment to showcasing artistic collaborations and pushing creative boundaries.

Notable Artists & Creative Voices

THAT’S CONTEMPORARY spotlights Italian artists who are shaping the future of art. Massimo Kaufmann, renowned for his expansive paintings, embodies the spirit of Milanese artistic tradition while simultaneously embracing innovation. Similarly, elisabetta gut's sculptures and installations delve into themes of confinement and fragility—reflecting a thoughtful engagement with contemporary concerns. Daniele Innamorato’s collaborative work as founder of Kings Collective underscores the platform’s dedication to fostering collective creativity and pushing artistic boundaries.

Viafarini: An Architectural Canvas

The Viafarini gallery complex serves as an integral part of THAT’S CONTEMPORARY's narrative. Designed by architect Marco Zanuso Jr., this building embodies Milanese architectural modernity—a space deliberately conceived to stimulate artistic dialogue and showcase experimental exhibitions. Its expansive layout encourages exploration and contemplation, mirroring the platform’s ethos of fostering engagement with cutting-edge art.

A Unique Perspective on Contemporary Art

THAT'S CONTEMPORARY distinguishes itself from conventional museums by prioritizing active participation and disseminating knowledge beyond physical walls. It operates as a dynamic online resource—a vibrant hub for artistic discovery—solidifying its position as an indispensable guide for anyone wishing to experience Milan’s flourishing contemporary art scene.