Tel Aviv Museum Opens Vibrant Exhibition Showcasing Illustrator Noma Bar’s Sharp Wit and Colorful Art

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art has launched "From the Other Side," the first Israeli exhibition dedicated to the work of acclaimed illustrator and designer Noma Bar. Born Avinoam Bernstein in 1973, Bar is internationally renowned for his minimalist, clever visual language, which has graced covers of prestigious publications like The Economist and The New Yorker, as well as book jackets and branding for major global companies including Apple and Netflix. A graduate of Bezalel Academy’s Visual Communication department, Bar moved to London in 2000 with his wife and creative partner Dana, where he has developed a distinctive style that relies on clear, universal imagery without words.

The exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Bar’s defining works, including familiar pieces and a special display of his sketchbooks, revealing the evolution of his visual humor and wit from childhood drawings to mature creations. Curated by Yuval Saar, the show features not only digital illustrations but also sculptures and interactive exhibits, such as a giant upside-down pink teddy bear that challenges viewers to see multiple perspectives. Bar’s approach emphasizes duality and coexistence, encouraging audiences to consider the hidden sides of objects and ideas.

Among the highlights is Bar’s collaboration with iconic author Margaret Atwood, for whom he designed the cover of "The Handmaid’s Tale," using negative space to depict the story’s themes. He has also illustrated 15 books by celebrated Japanese writer Haruki Murakami. A new piece created for the exhibition, "Tel Aviv Summer," uses the Israeli game of matkot to form swimsuits, birds, and headphones, blending local culture with Bar’s signature style. The exhibition is sponsored by Coca-Cola, which also offers discounted tickets to its app members.

Alongside Bar’s show, the museum hosts other family-friendly exhibitions, including "Tiny Worlds," featuring miniature art, and Yayoi Kusama’s immersive Infinity Mirror Room. These provide engaging cultural experiences for children during the hot August summer. The Noma Bar exhibition runs through January 16, 2027, with admission prices ranging from free for children under 18 to 55 shekels for general entry.