ARTS&LIFE
ON THE COVER

She also uses discarded plastic as 
a nod to the ongoing climate crisis.
“I found that it creates very 
organic shapes,
” Reshef says of 
plastic. “Plastic is a very humbling 
material and getting these elaborate 
textures out of it is very organic.
“Something about this disso-
nance really fascinates me,
” she 
adds.
Every time she weaves waste veg-
etation or plastics into her work, 
Reshef says she creates something 
new. “I’m always discovering new 
things and new ways to work with 
these materials.
”
The artwork featured in her 
Midtown Detroit mural was origi-
nally on the facade of a building in 
Tel Aviv, where it emanated themes 
of nature, humans and time.
Now, she hopes Detroiters can 

get the same emotional experience.
“I hope this work in Detroit will 
be one of the first among others 
that I do in Detroit,
” Reshef says. “I 
really love having my art in public 
spaces. Driving by or walking by 
art is an amazing way for people to 
experience it.
”
Finkel hopes the mural will serve 
as a launching pad in furthering 
relationships between Detroit and 
Israel, and as an inspiration for 
continuing to beautify the city as a 
whole.
“I believe there are opportunities 
like this that could be pursued each 
year that enhance our city and 
community with innovative ideas, 
creators and artists on a global 
stage,
” he says, “particularly with 
the deep talent that exists in cities 
such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
” 

48 | JUNE 8 • 2023 

“MY ART TALKS TO PEOPLE 
IN A VERY EMOTIONAL WAY.”

— ROTEM RESHEF

continued from page 47

JAMIE FELDMAN

Left: Passersby on West 
Canfield have a view of art 
instead of blight. Right: 
Reshef stands in front of 
another famous Detroit 
mural: Detroit Industry by 
Diego Rivera at the DIA.

