Cpt. Eden Nimri, 22, was a champion swimmer who could have represented Israel at the Olympics. On Oct. 7, 2023, she was murdered at Nahal Oz base as she fiercely defended her soldiers, still in her pajamas, as her weapon ran out of ammunition.
Eden’s mother, Sharon, has honored her by participating in a poignant art exhibition in the city of Modi’in in central Israel. Nine bereaved mothers from across the country took part in the exhibition, which focuses on the tragic events of Oct. 7 and the war that followed.
What makes this exhibition unique is that instead of using traditional materials, the mothers of the fallen memorialize their children by having their bodies serve as the canvas for the artwork. The bodies that carried and bore them are now a testament to their blessed memory.
Sharon Nimri is featured in the exhibition, hands clasped over her heart, a soft smile on her lips, in a painting that shows Eden in her element—swimming. Deeply emotional, the exhibition—titled “When words fail you”—opened at the Multidisciplinary Center in Modi’in in March.
Orna Mager, the city’s advisor to the mayor on gender equality who heads the Multidisciplinary Center, told JNS, “This exhibition is meant to focus on women’s strength and power as mothers and how it is possible to rise up, side by side, from the most tragic loss. This is the voice of the revival of women.”
Curator Sigalit Zilkha-Niewodoski, who has put together several exhibitions on the events and aftermath of Oct. 7, shared why this particular one was so meaningful.
“Oct. 7 was a seismic event for Israeli society, Jewish communities worldwide and the world at large,” she told JNS. “Many women in Israel find themselves grappling with loss, fear, and profound uncertainty. As the curator, I believe the essence of this exhibition lies in the intimate journey we shared with the incredible mothers—women who opened up to us, quite literally, and entrusted us with their heart-wrenching stories.”
Zilkha-Niewodoski said the shared fate of the nine women is depicted through an artistic image on their bodies that serves as a “living canvas” for the artist, Tal Bracha. Additionally, other women’s bodies in the exhibition bear flashes of scenes from a country at war and the tumultuous times we are living in.
“Through her paintings, the artist manifests the power of art, giving voice to feelings of sorrow, joy, frustration and hope in a unique and authentic way,” she said. “The works exhibited reveal how art can capture a fleeting moment, imbue it with meaning, allowing us, the audience, to experience and empathize with what we witness before the outcome of this powerful process is captured with in the beautiful paintings of the artist.”
Segev Shushan, 28, a professional photographer, was murdered along with his girlfriend, Anita Lisman, by Hamas terrorists while fleeing the Supernova Music Festival on Oct. 7.
Eti Shushan, his mother and a resident of Modi’in, chose a picture for her painting that portrays her son during one of his travels abroad—his hands raised in a victorious gesture.
Zilkha-Niedownik commented that this moment not only reflects Segev’s spirit, it also symbolizes the strength of his mother who chooses to move forward with courage, despite her pain.
“I chose this picture because I wanted him remembered at the top of the world, and also on the front of my body near my heart. I wanted to remember him this way. It was very difficult for me to take a shower afterwards, the emotions are so strong. The water will come and it will all vanish,” said Shushan.
Zilkha-Niewodowski said she was hoping that organizations, schools, emissaries and others could host “gallery talks” where one of the mothers could be invited to share her personal story with the audience. It is also possible to incorporate a bodypainting workshop by the artist and a screening of the film “Four Houses and Longing,” which depicts the Elkabets family’s harrowing experience during the Kfar Aza massacre.
The art works in the exhibition are available for purchase. More information can be accessed by scanning the QR codes accompanying each piece. Proceeds from sales are donated to various organizations supporting the recovery and resilience of war victims, physically and emotionally.