DESCRIPTION: This wonderfully colored lithograph depicts a man, presumably the Messiah in a boat on a journey. In the boat with him seems to be a Torah Scroll, a Charity Box and possibly Spice bottles. Hanging over the side of the boat is a detailed oriental type rug with what else -- a Star of David in the center! On top of the sails are three doves and a crown. In the distance the Holy Temple and Israel are seen. I am not sure exactly of the meaning (and knowing how the artist works I am sure there is a meaning!) but it is an absolutely beautiful piece.

ARTIST INFORMATION: : Today's renaissance of the traditional Jewish lifestyle has been accompanied by the blossoming of a multi-faceted Chasidic art movement. Michoel Muchnik, among the foremost Chassidic artists, has gained prominence with his joyfully imaginative renderings in acrylics, watercolors, and original lithographs. He frequently combines his delicate use of color and fine line work into a story book motif. Even at its most mystical, a Muchnik painting is inexplicably familiar.

Born in Philadelphia in 1952, Muchnik received his artistic training at Rhode Island School of Design. He later studied at the Rabbinical College of America, in Morristown, New Jersey.

Muchnik has staged exhibits of his original paintings, bas-relief mosaics and lithographs throughout the world. His originals have been displayed at the Brooklyn Museum, the Goldman Arts Gallery in Washington, D.C., Yeshiva University Museum in New York, Dansforth Museum in Massachusetts, the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Sharei Tzedek Collection in Israel.