ASAF WITH DOG
Boaz Vaadia (1951–2017)
2010 (edition of 5) bronze, basalt, and bluestone
Gifted by Nancy Rosenberg in memory of Brad Rosenberg
Where is it located in the garden?
More about
Boaz Vaadia
Born in 1951 in Jersualem, Israel
Died in 2017 in New York City, USA
Israeli-American sculptor celebrated for his stacked-stone technique and meditative figurative works.
EDUCATION
Studied at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem; moved to New York in 1975 and attended Brooklyn College, earning an MFA in 1982.
SYMBOLISM & TECHNIQUE
• Exemplifies Vaadia’s signature method: stacking sedimentary bluestone slabs to echo natural stratification, then casting in bronze and integrating a freestanding boulder to anchor the form. The composition explores gravity, permanence, and human reliance on the earth's raw forces.
• Presents a human figure (Asa or Yehoshafat) seated or standing alongside a seated dog— symbolizing companionship, presence, and the bond between human and animal spirit.
WHY IT’S SIGNIFICANT
• Vaadia’s technique harnesses tectonic materiality and formal restraint, echoing ancient sculptural traditions and nature’s architecture.
• The human-and-dog pairing evokes ritualistic calm, loyalty, and connection—common in his narrative group works like Daniyyel with Dog.
ARTISTIC STYLE & APPROACH
• Vaadia is celebrated for his stacked-stone sculptures that blend ancient stone-working traditions with contemporary minimalism.
• His signature technique involves layering thin slabs of bluestone or basalt—often sourced locally from New York quarries or sidewalks—to build monumental, often figurative, sculptures. These slabs are sometimes cast in bronze while preserving their stratified texture.
• His subjects are predominantly human figures and animals, especially dogs, goats, and birds—expressing themes of companionship, ritual, and a deep connection to the earth.
• Vaadia’s work reflects a meditative, timeless quality that honors both natural materials and human presence.
• Combining raw basalt and bluestone with the permanence of bronze embodies Vaadia’s belief that “nature is the best collaborator.”
MAJOR PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS, COLLECTIONS & EXHIBITIONS
• “Boaz Vaadia: Sculpture” (2016) — Grounds For Sculpture outdoor survey exhibition, highlighting the breadth of his stone and bronze works. Hamilton, New Jersey
• Solo and group shows in major galleries such as Pace Gallery (New York) and Sponder Gallery (New York).
• Time Warner Center NYC, Brooklyn Museum NY, Public Art Fund NYC, Israel Museum, Jerusalem
ARTIST LEGACY
•Vaadia is known for reviving and contemporizing the ancient tradition of stone sculpture, making it accessible and relevant in the modern art world.
•His deep respect for materiality and craftsmanship influenced a generation of artists interested in natural materials and sustainability.
•His sculptures invite quiet contemplation and connect viewers with elemental forces—earth, time, and the human spirit.