Valley Stream artist paints with a purpose

Anyone looking at the art of resident Jacob Mezrahi will be bombarded with not only an image, but a striking message that might just touch their soul.

Specializing in the area of narratives, his art tells a story — one which he hopes will inspire a reaction from the part of his viewers. “Art is meant to be viewed,” he said. “The whole point is for people to see it and walk away feeling different having saw it. I hope people see my work and respond.”

One of Mezrahi’s paintings is featured in an exhibit, “Dura Eurpos,” at the Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art which runs through March 27. His piece, “Moses and the Burning Bush,” is a creative image illuminated by a powerful moral, he said. “I added a story to my own idea of the image,” he said. “I put in a dialogue between God and Moses in the form of a comic into the piece.”

Mezrahi noted that the narrative part of the painting is the message that God is showing Moses that at that time, he could have the strength to step up and be a leader. The 30-inch by 30 size piece was the result of looking at a dozen different images in art books. “Mostly I created the painting and put in colors,” he said. “Most of the painting was my own imagination, but based on changing many different images I saw in art books.” The piece is a part of a collection of biblical-themed artwork on display there. Organized by the Jewish Art Salon that Mezrahi is a member and in collaboration with the museum, the event creators were inspired by biblical artwork uncovered in a synagogue around the 1920s in Syria — the synagogue had been around since 17,000 years ago, Mezrahi said.

“The exhibit creators wanted to re-create murals on the synagogue walls uncovered through modern day eyes,” he said, “so they asked like 30 different artists to contribute one piece and do a modern day image.”

For 30-year-old Mezrahi, art is more than just a way to express himself, it is a way to make a statement. Starting in high school, he has been making artistic statements for 15 years and does not plan on stopping anytime soon. “Art is a way of expressing my ideas, a hobby and chance to get to relax and have stress relief, and an enjoyable outlet that tells what I feel and what I am,” he said.