About

Dalit Proter (born 1966, Israel) is a portrait artist who focuses her work on the human condition while exploring gender identity.

Her artistic practice is based on a deep interest in the complexity of the human condition - which she seeks to examine through themes related to contemporary society and culture as well as issues pertaining to gender identity and gender politics. Her works portray people from her close circle, family and friends as well as figures from the queer community in Israel.

Proter's works challenge the stereotypical view and perceptions regarding gender identity and labels. The artist seeks to broaden the view of cultural and social phenomena in contemporary era while blurring the boundaries between gender categories. Her poignant artwork undermines the concept of "feminine" VS "masculine", through a poetic and intimate, yet direct representation, characterized by authenticity and sensitivity.  

Proter's critical view at contemporary society and its representations of gender identity runs like a thread through her work in the last decade. 
Her artistic practice is inspired by the characteristics of the classical portrait. Her works incorporate its distinct aspects and characteristics, but at the same time, challenge traditional gender perceptions and modes of representation of female and male identities, in order to offer a fresh perspective that enables multiple possibilities. 

In recent years, she has developed a deep interest in queer culture. In a series of portraits featuring cross-dressing men, the artist presents human stories, states of being, personal passions and aspirations, alongside struggles and vulnerability. 

Over the last decade, she has presented solo exhibitions and participated in group exhibitions in Israel, among others in the Wilfrid Museum of Art, Ilana Goor Museum, the Zadik Gallery of Art in Jaffa, Kibbutz Yifat Gallery of Art and at the Oranim College Gallery of Art. In 2021, her work "Haim" was presented at the Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy in London. Her works are included in the Ilana Gur Museum collection, as well as in private collections in Israel and around the world. She lives and creates in Kibbutz HaSollelim.
 

Artist Statement

My creative process starts with an idea. A private moment, small and seemingly banal, from the domestic and family existence, or a detail that arouses my curiosity, are taking shape into a conceptual starting point and human stories. I observe the characters around me in my daily life and the characters I met in random encounters that entice my curiosity and try to capture an intimate, emotional moment that expresses the human complexity and gender identity in its various shades. At times, the story remains private, while at times it corresponds with the reality of life in the space where I live and create.

My work processes are long and demanding. I observe the details, the nuances of each character, the physical gestures and the details of its clothing and together with my models, I build scenes. Over time, I have come to realized that the performative dimension is an integral part of my artistic practice. 

Clothes, outfits, costumes and accessories have been part of my world since I was a child. I am interested in the way in which clothes and accessories are representations of gender identity and in the role they play in the construction of "femininity" and masculinity". In my works I create disruption and diversion between what is considered "masculine" or "feminine" and seek to offer a different perception that enables multiple possibilities.