Ruth Schloss (1922–2013) was one of the most prominent and influential artists in Israeli art. Throughout an impressive artistic career spanning over seven decades, she created a unique visual language that placed the human at the center. Her works, characterized by extraordinary sensitivity, dealt with questions of social justice, equality, and protection of the weak, thereby succeeding in touching hearts and making her art relevant and universal.
A way of life that became art
Schloss was born in Nuremberg, Germany, to a wealthy and assimilated family. Her affinity for art was evident from an early age, and upon immigrating to Israel at the age of 15, she continued to develop her talent. She studied in the graphic design department at Bezalel (1938–1942) and joined the Hashomer Hatzair movement, which shaped her socialist and humanistic worldview.
Throughout her years at Kibbutz Merhavia and then at Lehavot Bashan, her first works reflected her life in the collective: simple, sharp drawings that depicted daily life, the landscapes of the kibbutz, and the struggles that were an integral part of the settlers' lives.
Art as a tool for exploring reality
Schloss adhered to a figurative style throughout her career, and the human being was always at the center of her work. In her works, which often dealt with painful themes such as poverty, refugees, war, and deprivation, she managed to sensitively depict the plight of the weak and marginalized in society – women, children, the elderly, refugees, and even animals.
After leaving the kibbutz due to political disagreements, Schloss settled in the village of Shmaryahu and began to develop her work in new directions. She continued to illustrate books and work as a newspaper illustrator, but gradually shifted her focus to painting and presenting exhibitions.
Creation between realism and expressionism
In her later years, when she switched to painting with acrylics on canvas, her style became more expressive, but still retained the humanistic principles that had guided her from the beginning. Her large paintings from that period feature figures of the elderly, prisoners, and animals, all of whom convey pain, power, and deep humanity.
Artistic and moral heritage
Ruth Schloss was not only an artist, but also a moral figure who combined art with a social vision. Her works have been exhibited in many museums and exhibitions, including retrospectives at the Herzliya Museum of Art (1991) and the Mishkan for Art in Ein Harod (2006). In 2008, a documentary film was produced about her called "Painting Against the Current," which highlights her contribution as an artist who lived and created while standing firm against the challenges of her time.
Perpetuating the legacy
Ruth Schloss left behind a moving and powerful body of work that continues to inspire artists and art lovers. Her works speak of pain and injustice, but also of hope and humanity. At our gallery, we are proud to present her work and bring her visual stories to the next generation.