Assignment 2 "Drawing as a Verb"

 Roee Rosen is a male contemporary artist from Israeli, who works in a variety of mediums, including writing, drawing, painting, photography, and cinema. He utilizes unique storytelling techniques to humorously invoke skepticism toward the manipulation of historical traumas for political gain.

From top to bottom; Roee Rosen, Preliminary Sketch for Final Scene of Kafka for Kids, 2016, pencil on paper, 22 x 28 cm. Roee Rosen, Preliminary Sketch for Insect in Kafka For Kids, 2017 pen and pencil on paper 28 x 42 cm.

 The piece which initially drew me to Rosen's work is his drawing titled Preliminary Sketch for Insect in Kafka For Kids. This 28 x 42 cm piece, created with pen and pencil, evoked nostalgia as it reflects a similar style of cartoon shows I watched growing up. It also has a creepy element that makes me want to look away in fear. The sketch features contour linework that illustrates three perspectives of a person-like bug, serving as a foundational piece for Rosen's pilot television show, Kafka for Kids. Inspired by Franz Kafka's novel The Metamorphosis, Rosen uses humorous elements such as talking furniture that spontaneously burst into song, to retell Kafka's story in a child appropriate manner. As the pilot develops, it undergoes its own metamorphosis, incorporating a documentary aspect exploring the definition of childhood under Israeli military law.  Below I have posted a trailer to the pilot if you are interested in seeing a clip of the final product of Roee Rosen's sketches. 

Another important aspect of Roee Rosen's work is his use of alter egos. Rosen’s artwork can be found under a variety of names, perhaps you have heard of Justine Frank, the Belgian Surrealist pornographer and author, or Maximum Komar Myshkin, the Moscow poet and artist who led the Buried Alive Group. Or perhaps my favorite persona, Eva Braun, Adolf Hitler’s mistress. Rosen draws inspiration from real historical figures to develop these characters in his storytelling. By adapting these characters not only does it add humor to his rendition of these historical discourses, but it allows Rosen to explore complex themes such as identity, trauma and societal norms. Through the use of alter egos Rosen is able to challenge traditional narratives, encouraging his audiences to connect history, art and personal experience. By using this approach Rosen can address difficult topics in a provocative and thought-provoking way, which ultimately enhances the discussion around his work.

Roee Rosen, The Blind Merchant, Act 3 Scene 4, 1981-91, watercolour and pastel, 28 x 22 cm 

Sources Cited 

“Kafka for Kids | CPH:DOX 2023.” Youtube, uploaded by CPH:DOX, February 21st, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3G6MHE33Kk

Rosen, Roee. “Kafka for Kids.” Roee Rosen, https://www.roeerosen.com/kafka-for-kids. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024

 

Rosen, Roee. “My Influences.” Frieze: Contemporary Art and Culture, no.198, October 2018, pp. 218-223.