Paul Curran, known in the art world as "Drawing Tel Aviv," grew up in Vancouver, Canada, where his creativity was nurtured in a home without the distractions of television. In 2012, he embarked on a life-changing journey, relocating to Israel—a move that deeply influenced his artistic voice. Currently, Paul has the honor of showcasing his work in two prestigious exhibitions: "Floating Images of Tel Aviv" at the Japanese Embassy in Tel Aviv and "12 Tribes of Tel Aviv" in Puglia, Italy.

In his latest exhibit, Paul masterfully conveys the duality of life in Tel Aviv, especially in the wake of the events since October 7. His artwork captures the striking contrast between the ordinary moments of daily life—such as hurrying to work or renting an electric scooter—and the sudden intrusion of global conflict, marked by rocket alarms, tragic news, and a pervasive sense of fear and hope for the future of Israel and the Jewish people.

Despite these challenges, Paul’s work embodies the resilience and determination of a strong nation. The exhibit includes six pixel art pieces that juxtapose civilian life, symbolized by a bus, with the military presence, represented by the Iron Dome missile system. A menorah, inspired by a historic photograph of a menorah standing defiantly opposite Nazi flags in Germany, symbolizes the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people. Through these simplified, 200 x 200 pixel drawings, Paul distills the chaos and complexity of war into a singular, powerful message of endurance.

Another striking piece, "The Circle of Life in Tel Aviv," presents a skyline curving upwards like a black hole. On closer inspection, the yellow ribbons signify the hostages, an important part of the city—and the country—who are missing, a poignant reminder of those still held hostage in Gaza and our soldiers, and civilians, fighting to free them. The exhibit also includes posters from the 2021 conflict and the early days after October 7th, each portraying a lion, inspired by the iconic statue at Tel Chai. The lion—whether roaring, standing proud, or silently watching—serves as a metaphor for the spirit of Israel: saddened, frustrated, but never without hope.

Paul Curran's work over the last eleven months reflects a nation at war, but also a people who, despite the darkest of times, cling to hope—a hope echoed in their anthem, and in their hearts and a prayer for our hostages and our soldiers to return safe, secure and healthy.

 The term 'Ukiyo-e' translates as 'Pictures of the Floating / Transitory World' with a suggestion that life and beauty are fleeting, and that people should revel in the pleasures of existence. I love this quote about this art style  - “Live for the moment, look at the moon, the cherry-blossom and maple leaves… encounter with humor the poverty that stares you in the face and don't be discouraged by it, let yourself be carried along the river of life like a calabash that drifts down-stream, that is what ukiyo means."