Noa Eshkol (1924–2007). Dance and Compositions

Dancer, choreographer, and artist Noa Eshkol (1924–2007) is a major figure in modern dance, particularly through the movement notation system she developed. In 1973, she turned to the creation of wall carpets and by the time of her death had made almost 1,800 artworks, thus confirming her place as one of the most inventive and prolific textile artists of the twentieth century.

The catalogue traces nearly half a century of creative work, from the 1950s to the 2000s, showcasing both her wall carpets and her choreographic works through drawings, photographs, and film footage. This exhibition offers an opportunity to spotlight a key artist in dance and a pioneer of textile art, whose unique journey sheds light on several issues: the place of dance in the early decades of the State of Israel, her connections with the European and American avant-gardes, and the history and implications of the system of movement notation. The book also highlights the impact of historical events on Noa Eshkol’s work.

A true guide to discovery, this catalogue explores the richness of Noa Eshkol’s work. It brings together four previously unpublished essays, an interview with Mooky Dagan and Mor Bashan, as well as texts by the artist and Avraham Wachman—which shed light on the theoretical foundations of her movement notation. Excerpts from the Holon Journal (1983–2020), kept by Ruti Sela, provide a detailed account of both theoretical reflections and daily exchanges between the artist and her collaborators. The publication is enriched with chronological references, a list of her collaborators, and some 100 illustrations.