By Elad Giladi, University of Haifa, Israel

Nahum Gutman (1898–1980) is one of the most prominent figures in Israeli art whose work played a significant role in shaping the visual and cultural narratives of early Zionism. Known for his versatility as a painter, sculptor, illustrator, and writer, Gutman became a visual cornerstone in the development of Zionist imagery. His illustrations for children, in particular, served to instill the Zionist dream in younger generations, offering them a vivid and accessible interpretation of the land of Israel as a place of growth, transformation, and renewal.

Gutman’s art often depicted the land of Israel through the lens of the Zionist ethos: barren deserts were turned into fertile fields, neglected landscapes were revitalized, and Jewish pioneers were presented as the harbingers of progress and modernity. This imagery was not only artistic but deeply ideological, reflecting a Zionist narrative of reclaiming and cultivating the land, thus transforming both the physical and spiritual realities of Jewish life.

A prime example of Gutman’s contribution to Zionist imagery is his work on the 1940 board game "Immigrate and Build!" Designed as an educational tool for children, the game illustrated the journey of Jewish pioneers from exile to the land of Israel, where they would build a new life through hard work and dedication. Players moved through a series of challenges, such as draining swamps, establishing farms, and constructing homes, all portrayed through Gutman’s lively and colorful drawings.

I recently visited the Nahum Gutman Museum in Tel Aviv, where I encountered an exhibition featuring Gutman’s original sketches for "Immigrate and Build!" This personal experience allowed me to witness firsthand how Gutman’s artistry served not only as entertainment but also as a vehicle for Zionist pedagogy. The exhibition provided a fascinating insight into the process of creating these images, revealing how Gutman used his detailed and expressive style to bring the Zionist narrative to life.

One of the boards that stood out to me during my visit was the one titled "Wasteland," which depicted Arab Palestine before Jewish immigration as a land of desolation, poverty, hunger, and disease. This imagery starkly contrasts with the following panels that celebrated Jewish immigration and settlement as transformative forces that turned the land into a prosperous and fertile home for the Jewish people. While the game successfully communicates the Zionist ideal of rejuvenation, it also reflects a simplistic and problematic view of the land’s pre-existing Arab population, portraying it as backward and neglected.