Draft:Ofra Grinfeder

Ofra Grinfeder
Ofra Grinfeder** (born 1945) is an American-Israeli-born artist who lives in Brazil. She has worked across multiple countries, including New York, Korea, Turkey, France, and Brazil. Her experiences in these diverse cultures have significantly influenced her artistic practice, which spans over five decades.

Early Life and Education
Ofra Grinfeder was born in Petach Tikva, Israel. Her early life was marked by displacement, moving from Israel to New York, and later living in Korea, Turkey, and France before settling in Brazil. This movement across different cultural landscapes profoundly shaped her artistic vision.

Grinfeder studied at the State University of New York at Buffalo from 1963 to 1967, followed by further education at Alfred University and the Penland School of Crafts, where she studied with Cinthia Bringle. She also studied Raku techniques with Steve Gamza at Penland in 1984 and attended a cast glass workshop in St. Hippolyte du Fort, France, in 2016.

Artistic Career
Ofra Grinfeder's work often reflects a blend of primitivism, archaeological influences, and oriental minimalism. Her art is a testament to cultural syncretism, mirroring the diverse traditions she has encountered throughout her life. Her extensive travels and apprenticeships with craftsmen worldwide are evident in her multifaceted artistic expressions, which include ceramics, metalwork, and large-scale murals.

Grinfeder has participated in numerous exhibitions globally, showcasing her work in prestigious galleries and museums.

2020s
** 2023** - Mural #2 for Complexo B32 Itaim, SP

** 2023** - Art Basel Gomide Galeria de Art

** 2023** - SP Art São Paulo - Gomide Galeria in São Paulo

** 2022** - "Animofra" No Complexo B32, Itaim, SP

** 2022** - Exhibit "Colletania", SP

2010s
** 2019-2020** - Worked on a large panel (73 meters) depicting animals that are in danger of extinction (stitched work with recycled materials)

** 2018** - Exhibited at 57 ART GALLERY, “The Kabbalah” (72 illustrations) and a series of portraits on metal sheets, São Paulo, Brazil

** 2017** - Illustrated "The 72 Names of God in the Kabbalah"

** 2015** - Individual Exhibit “Relatos- Retratos”, MUSEU DA ENERGIA, São Paulo, Brazil

** 2014** - “Ofra Africa”, ESPAÇO ESTUFA, São Paulo, Brazil

** 2013** - Researched in conjunction with Itanira Heineberg the Jewish population in Bom Retiro, Brazil.

** 2012** - Worked in clay and iron, produced a series of metal lamps and lanterns

2000s
** 2006** - Executed a commissioned artwork for Hotel Ferrareto in Guarujá, São Paulo

** 2006** - Individual exhibit “Old Rags”, GALERIA EDUARDO FERNANDES, São Paulo, Brazil

** 2003** - “Sculptures In Metal", MUSEU DA CASA BRASILEIRA, São Paulo, Brazil

** 2000** - Exhibit paper and cloth from “Images from Ethiopia”, GALERIA FRANCINE, São Paulo, Brazil

1990s
** 1999** - "Large Format Paintings", ARIA GALERIA DE ARTE, Recife, Brazil

** 1998** - “Imaginary Forest”, INSTITUTO VILLA MAURINA, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

** 1998** - "Ruku Clay Busts with Silver Jewelry", ORNAMENTUM GALLERY, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1997** - “Jewelry”, AARON FAABER GALLERY, N.Y.C., New York

** 1997** - "Silver Jewelry", COLLECTANIA, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1997** - Individual exhibit of “Large Wood and Paper Totems", AARIA, Recife, Brazil

** 1996** - "Jewelry and Paintings", ESPAÇO MIRANTE, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1996** - "Paper Totems", CRAFT HOUSE, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1996** - “Imaginary Forest", ESPAÇO DOS CORREIOS, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

** 1995** - "Big Paper Panales", FATEC, (Faculdade de Technology) São Paulo, Brazil

** 1994** - "Works on Paper", WESTCHESTER ART CENTER, Westchester, New York

** 1994** - "Wood and Paper Sculptures", 450 BROADWAY GALLERY SCULPTURES, N.Y.C., New York

** 1992** - Individual exhibit "Wood and Paper", GALERIA NEV, Istanbul, Turkey

** 1991** - “Presence of Time”, GALERIA MONTESANTI ROESLER, São Paulo, Brazil

1980s
** 1988** - "France-Brazil”, exhibit in conjunction with French artist Jaques Buchholtz, MAM MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1987** - "Clay", TOKI ART GALLERY, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1987** - "Paper Works", GALERIA NARA ROESLER, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1987** - "Cast Jewelry”, presented on Raku Clay Busts, GALERIA ORNAMENTUM, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1985** - Individual exhibit "Ceramics", GALERIA SARVER, Paris, France

** 1985** - Individual exhibit ”100 Bowls”, GALERIA ACTIS, Paris, France

** 1984** - Works in clay, GALERIE CAPAZZA, Nanci, France

** 1984** - Participated in an exhibit, MUSEU DE CANNES, Cannes, France

** 1982** - Invited artist, SALON OBJET DE ART, Paris, France

** 1982** - Participated in “Salão de Cerâmica", MUSEU DA IMAGEM E SOM, Campinas, Brazil

** 1981-1983** - Visited Yanomami tribes in Brazil & studied indigenous motifs and fiber art with natural fibers

** 1981** - "Clay", GALERIA BABELIDUS, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1980** - "Raku", GALERIA OCRA, São Paulo, Brazil

** 1980** - "Raku", FUNDAÇÃO CULTURAL BRASÍLIA, Brasília, Brazil

** 1980** - “Raku”, 9TH SALÃO BUNKYO, São Paulo, Brazil

1960s
** 1969** - Paintings solo exhibit, “Images from Korea”, AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER, Seoul, Korea

** 1969** - Painting solo exhibit, LA PISCINE, Paris, France

** 1968-1972** - Appointed as Crafts Director at 8th U.S. Army in Seoul, Korea

** 1967** - Art Instructor (in conjunction with a psychiatrist) at the New York State Narcotic Commission in Harlem, New York

Publications
Grinfeder has authored and illustrated several books, including:

** 2018:** "Ofra Grinfeder - 50 Years of Art" (ISBN 978-85-61914-24-0)

** 2010:** "For the Parents" (ISBN 978-85-61125-35-6)

Influence and Style
Grinfeder's art is deeply influenced by her experiences in different cultures. Her works often incorporate elements that seem Indigenous, Korean, Jewish, Islamic, or European, reflecting her quest for essential objects that unify diverse cultural motifs. In an era where contemporary art can be self-referential, Grinfeder's art stands out for its celebration of cultural diversity and the interconnectedness of different traditions.

Her poetics frequently engage with themes of syncretism, making her art a rich tapestry of the many cultural currents she has experienced. This approach has made her work a significant contribution to contemporary art, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Legacy
Ofra Grinfeder's extensive career and her ability to weave together various cultural influences into her art make her a distinguished figure in the contemporary art world. Her commitment to exploring and celebrating cultural diversity continues to inspire and resonate with many.