Radiance of the Infinite – Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi

🖼️ Title: Radiance of the Infinite – Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi

Description:

This profound and symbolic piece honors Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812), the founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and author of the foundational Hasidic work, the Tanya. Fusing mysticism, intellect, and spiritual fire, this artwork captures his essence as both a scholar and a tzaddik — a righteous soul who brought Divine light into the material world.

His illuminated face emerges from a radiant Temple-like structure, suggesting the synthesis of Divine Wisdom (Chokhmah) and earthly presence. Red and gold rays burst outward from his third eye region, forming concentric waves of enlightenment — symbolizing the Hasidic teaching that the Divine spark dwells within all creation.

Above him, two white doves hover, representing the descent of heavenly peace, the Shekhinah, or perhaps the dual unity of soul and spirit. Beneath him, a path of light flows from his form down into a shadowy, textured landscape, alluding to the journey of the soul through exile, elevation, and eventual redemption.

The surrounding background is dense with sacred imagery:

• Graves and city walls evoke the connection between this world and the world to come.

• Abstract flames and celestial elements suggest spiritual elevation and Kabbalistic fire.

Curator’s Note:

Rabbi Shneur Zalman taught that every soul is a candle of the Divine. In this striking visual theology, the artist transforms his face into a source of cosmic illumination — not merely a portrait, but a meditation on the Hasidic vision of G‑dly light in every layer of existence.