Artwork by Orna Ben-Shoshan

“The Last Supper – A Moment Before The Dawn of a New World”
Homage to the great master Leonardo da Vinci.
A fresh, contemporary interpretation to the world's famous masterpiece.

One of the world’s greatest masterpieces was completed in 1498 on the wall of Santa Maria Grazie church in Milano, Italy. Leonardo da Vinci was 40 years old. It took him 4 years to complete his masterpiece. Five centuries later, “The Last Supper” continues to inspire artists of modern times, who re-created the scene, giving it their own interpretations and presenting it in contemporary versions.

Being born in the land where the history actually happened, I took the liberty to create my own version of “The Last Supper”. My own version of "The Last Supper" ignores any religious aspects, and offers a new meaning to the subject of festivity. Here I took da Vinci’s creation in a different direction: Instead of a last supper before the ending of a life, my own version shows a last supper before rebirth, a moment before a latent potential materializes. This is a celebration of a night before new souls are incarnated: The boards on the walls show Hebrew letter-combinations, which compose the genetic code of the universe.

The Large moon in the sky symbolizes the feminine energy of revival and rejuvenation.

A significant symbol for birth and new beginnings is the feminine figure which carries the seed of life.

The figures in da Vinci’s original masterpiece were replaced here with twelve pregnant women, who are expecting to give birth the next day.

These women are the vessel through which new souls are incarnated. Their “Last Supper” is a celebration for their forthcoming fulfillment.

One male is present in the scene to demonstrate the balance of a human society.

A night of full moon symbolizes the feminine energies of creation and realization.

The Large texts on the walls are letter combinations of the Hebrew Alphabet, which, according to the Kabbalah – compose the genetic code of the universe.

The essence of this scene is of hope and expectation for good outcomes.

During my creation process, I chose to be loyal to da Vinci’s genius composition in order to let it reflect through my work.

This painting was created as digital art, and is printed as collectors’ limited edition on canvas.

"My Last Supper" Giclee print on canvas Date Completed: 2008

Please visit Orna Ben-Shoshan’s website at: http://www.ben-shoshan.com to see more beautiful pieces.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Alternative Realities lie parallel to the world we are familiar with.

Orna Ben-Shoshan's artwork gives the viewer a rare and insightful visit to places beyond consciousness. Her paintings release the imagination and extend the limits of ordinary perception. In her colorful scenes, which take place in a distant world, creatures and objects interact in unpredictable ways and are uninfluenced by the laws of physics.

Artist Orna Ben-shoshan receives the images she paints through channeling. Unlike most artists, all of her paintings are completed in her mind before she transfers them onto the canvas. Orna's works infuse deep spiritual experience with subtle humor.

Critics remark that each of her pieces is a world unto itself. The images are executed with intricate detail and seasoned by a multitude of colors and decorative patterns that are influenced by her work as a designer. During her career as a fine artist for the past twenty years, Orna has created a large body of work and is presently focusing on oil paintings. In addition to oil paintings, she creates computer art. These images are transformed into hand-decorated prints on canvas. Currently she also works as a freelance illustrator and textile designer.

Orna Ben-Shoshan was born in Kibbutz Yifaat, Israel, in 1956. She received her training as a graphic designer in Tel-Aviv. In 1982 she moved to the U.S. where she lived for fifteen years.

Since her first one person show in 1983 (Lancaster, PA) Orna has exhibited her work in museums and galleries throughout the U.S. and abroad, including "ART EXPO N.Y." in 1996. She has recieved several awards, such as the "Grumbacher Award" from the Copley Society of Boston. Her work was published in "Yoga Journal" and by "Recycled Paper Products". She is also featured in the 10th edition of "The Encyclopedia of Living Artists".

Orna returned to Israel in 1996 where she is continuing to work from her studio in Ra'anana. Her first one person show in Israel took place at "Tzavta", Tel-Aviv, in 1998 and won remarkable reviews. Since then, she has been exhibiting her art at numerous one-person and group shows in Israel and Europe.

View her artwork and become enchanted by an astounding world, where anything is possible. Snatch this opportunity to enrich your imagination, expand your horizons and become familiar with a rapidly rising and talented artist. You will be captivated, exited, enthralled and inspired...