Art and life fused into a powerful display of unity, resilience, and remembrance at the ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob presentation choreographed by globally acclaimed artist, Tomer Peretz, at this year’s Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida. Operating within the Miami Beach Convention Center, which he adeptly transformed into an expansive canvas for his profound exhibition, Peretz’s artistic expression evoked hope, love, and unity.
A powerful tribute to the lives lost in the October 7th massacre in Israel, Peretz’s spectacular masterpiece was drawn from the depths of his own experiences as a volunteer with Zaka, Israel’s prominent rescue, and recovery organization. This demonstration known as #WhenTheMusicStopped represented a compelling performance to anchor the despair of loss through artistic exploration.
“Art Basel people did everything they could to stop it,” says Peretz. In spite of the pushback, Peretz and 50 dedicated volunteers managed to overcome the hurdles, assuring the flash mob’s success. The incredible vision of volunteers forming a circle, swaying and singing, and then falling abruptly to the ground. The team’s collective effort to raise awareness around the world for the hostages remaining and the memory of those fallen was evident far beyond the walls of the Convention Center.
Great movements require not only a grand vision but synchronized and relentless efforts, and this remarkable feat was no different. Peretz enlisted his team of colleagues who helped to make this ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob a success and credits each of their efforts with gratitude and honor: Producer Michael Mike Cannon; Videographer and Editor/Producers: Karin Lang, Oren Lang, Idan Vaknin, Adee Drory, Bar Arviv, Michael Mike Cannon, Lexi, Rachel Weiss, and Sivan Rouben; Photographers: Michael Mike Cannon; Videographer and Editor of Peretz Headshot: Sarah Orbanic; Footage from Art Basel: Amit Regev, Melanie Lencovski, and Violeta Palombo Levy.
Peretz’s art comes in many forms with boldness and limitless contours that are cultivated from his experiences, embodiment, spirit, and philanthropy. Though his artwork finds space in galleries spanning Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Israel, and Europe, his presence isn’t confined to the standard four walls. In fact, beyond art exhibits, Peretz is heralded for his iconic collaboration with legends in the entertainment industry, including: Val Kilmer, Jonathan Davis (Korn), Gene Simmons (KISS), Ziv Koren (photographer), Karim Rashid (designer), Tsahi Halevi (Israeli actor), Ninet Tayeb (musician), Alon Abutbul (Israeli actor in Hollywood), Itzik Cohen (Israeli actor), Alejandro Edda (narcos), Dots To Lines (tattoo artist), Noa Kirel (Israeli musician), Rami Fortis (Israeli singer), and more.
Peretz continues to be applauded for his incredible skill to not only capture realism and surrealism in his artwork, but take a step further and convey deep messages with meaning. Perhaps that’s why he continues to be recognized with the Arthur Szyk Prize for ‘Disruptive Thought,’ at the Bruce Lurie Gallery (Culver City, CA), ‘It’s Halloween at Very Venice Art and Design Gallery’ (Oct. 2011), ‘For the Love of Art’ at Tokyo Ice (Dec. 2009), ‘Amit Apel Design Studio Gallery Opening’ in Los Angeles (May 2009), Beit Haitonaim Benefit Partnership for Children with Cancer (proceeds donated to the charity), and more.
Using the power of art to capture emotion and stir awareness, Peretz has transformed his vision into a wider reality with the launch of the Peretz Foundation that aims at providing art therapy for those grappling with trauma and post-trauma, thereby firmly underlining the medicinal potential of art.
Peretz’s unwavering commitment to art’s transformative role is both a testament to his character and a call for us all to engage more intimately and authentically with the world around us. Explore his artwork, fashion, and upcoming projects at https://tomerperetz.com, and watch the ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob video at https://youtu.be/gz9PlZxKTkQ?si=7yCaOZ6SwSCU8hEZ