Elsy Menko – Decay #1
Bring them home
Walking through an old Tel Aviv neighbourhood I was struck by a very striking graffiti of a girl with a yellow balloon on a delapidated wall. The image clearly evokes a very well known work by the famous graffiti artist Banksy of a girl with a red balloon symbolizing freedom. I changed the girl somewhat in order not to get into copyright issues. The text on the yellow balloon refers to the urgent need to bring all our hostages home. New buildings are going up everywhere in that old neighbourhood. I was taken by the contrast of the old/delapidated and the new building further down the road.
Cotton fabrics, tule, painted gauze, charcoal, wax crayons, free machine and hand embroidery.
Detail view:
Original picture:
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
Very moving idea. Love the contrast between old and new, decay and hope for better future, well done!
A very moving piece.
You really managed to make it look like the paint on the wall is peeling off.
Beautiful details.
An original take on the subject and one which is so poignant. The old against the new works so well, great work, well done!
This is a very impressive piece corresponding with the situation and touching people’s hearts. Also very well executed technically. Just perfect, very well done!
So well excecuted Elsy ! the wall with the peeling paint is so realistic ! and of course the theme leaves no one indifferent !
You have created a very bold, graphic and meaningful image. I’m particularly impressed by the texture of the wall – it truly looks like peeling paint and plaster.
A powerful interpretation of the scene caused by senseless destruction. Your fabric choice emphasises what you are seeing and feeling. Bravo
Wow, what a difficult subject you chose. And the execution is excellent. Really amazing work.
A well thought out and well executed composition reflecting on hope and the horrors of war in the mural while cleverly conveying the contrast of the old building against the new ones. Well done!
A very moving piece reflecting the need for hope even in awful situations.
Cleverly constructed. Well done.
Very moving piece. Great decaying wall and attention to details. Bravo!
You have made a lovely depiction of a touching subject. The dilapidated wall has worked really well and I like the contrast with the newer structures in the background. Well done
A heartbreaking piece! I love the way you created the wall.
Such a good idea to have a new building in the background.
Very touching piece that offers hope for better times. Love your old wall that contrasts so beautifully with the new buildings further away. Very will done.