what way, as an artist I could portray the memory of the Holocaust,” Azoulay expresses. “Furthermore, the national tragedy of October 7 paralyzed me. I felt unable to paint and incapable of adequately expressing myself during this horrific time of sadness for the Jewish people. In a manner of speaking, this initiative with Yad Vashem, evoked something powerful within me, it brought me back to paint; it brought me back to life.”
"Shai Azoulay's 'Bigger Than Me' exhibition is not just a remarkable display of art, but a profound testament to the evolving nature of Holocaust remembrance," remarks Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan. "Azoulay's journey of discovery, as he found his connection to the Holocaust, mirrors the path future generations will tread in a world without direct ties to Holocaust survivors. Azoulay's work beautifully demonstrates that while the subject may initially seem 'bigger than them,' the connection persists, reminding us that the legacy of the Holocaust is not only historical but deeply personal for us all."
About the Artist:
Shai Azoulay was born and raised in a Sephardic Jewish household in Kiryat Shemona. Azoulay discovered his passion for painting while traveling in the Far East after his IDF service. After completing his bachelor's degree (BFA) at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, he attained a BA in Art History at the Hebrew University, and in 2007, completed his master's degree from Bezalel (MFA) with honors. Since 2010, Azoulay has been a lecturer in Bezalel's external studies program and its Haredi branch. His art has been displayed at several one-man and group exhibitions in Israel and around the world.
About the Residency Program:
The Residency Program run by the Cultural and Public Engagement Division enables artists from different disciplines to spend time at Yad Vashem, and to gain inspiration from the World Holocaust Remembrance Center's collections, programming, personnel and panoramic views.