“Bright, colorful scenes don’t usually come
to mind when contemplating Chasidic life. But one look at
Michoel Muchnik’s paintings is enough to change that
perception.”
—Steven H. Pollack,
The Baltimore Times, 5-29-98
“Describing the popularity of Muchnik’s works,
Miriam Schlam of Amil Gallery, Forest Hills, New York, says,
“We sell his paintings to a wide cross-section of people,
and those who buy one Muchnik invariably come back for another.
He evokes a response that’s necessary for the 90’s.
In these turbulent times, people need something peaceful,
or a little whimsy. His work takes you back to another time,
to what home and family are and what religion means in life.
They tell a story, a lesson about Jewish family life.”
—Judith
Broder Sellner
Chai Magazine November 1997
Dear Michoel,
I hope this note finds you well and in high spirits. It
is my pleasure to write you and report on the overwhelmingly
positive impression your Art Exhibit, sale and presentation
left on our Jewish community.
As you saw for yourself, there was a very nice crowd in
attendance and very few individuals were able to resist
buying something.
Most importantly, the event drew a very eclectic crowd of
participants, many of who are on the very periphery of Jewish
life ands involvement. All were touched by your art, at
once whimsical and yet deeply mystical. All felt that deep
connection to Yiddishkeit, which your particular medium
so expertly elicits.
For all this I thank you. It is obvious that Binghamton
cannot get enough of Muchnik and so I look forward to hosting
you here once again, very soon.
With blessings for much success,
Rabbi Aaaron Slonim
June 15 1990
Dear Michoel,
I am writing to let you know about the great success of
the recent Art Show & Sale. There was an excellent turnout
of people. In a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere they were
absorbing the Yiddishkeit values that your art so beautifully
portrays. Your presentation exposed the audience to the
totality of the Jewish experience and it certainly made
an impact.
In fact now that your work is displayed in numerous Rochester
homes, the visual Yiddishkeit impact continues.
May you go from strength to strength,
with best wishes,
Rabbi Nechemia Vogel
March 22 1988
“On one level his paintings are very simple- a garment,
a kiddush cup, a meal etc. But to read them purely on that
level alone would be to miss the point of these paintings.
He weaves worlds within worlds. The more one looks at his
paintings the more they open up, they need time for contemplation
and to be understood.”
“His paintings are a feast for the eyes, a festive
meal for the brain, a picnic for the brain and a soft bed
for the soul.”
Victor Mayzner
The Australian Jewish News
July 8 1998