ZVI MALNOVITZER (born 1945)
...Malnovitzer has an unshakable belief in the need to bridge between Jewish identity and art. His
paintings, rooted in his childhood and nourished by the timeless power of the Talmud and Jewish mysticism, stir the viewer
to contemplation. I have often wondered why his creations awaken feelings of elation, wonder, and excitement. What is the
meaning of the magic that suffuses them? No trickery here; not simply the hand of a master.
True creation is propelled by energy. It is a bubble of the subconscious. This level is only suggested;
the visual message is transmitted without words.
Malnovitzer’s creation is far-reaching, beyond simple visual description. And even though its roots are
planted in the soil of Israel, it speaks a universal language. Whether they are exhibited in Tokyo and Munich, or New York
and Tel Aviv, collectors and art lovers are eager to acquire the works of this artist. His paintings are also offered at
auctions, fetching ever-increasing prices.
Clearly, the timeless art we love to live with, art that transcends the dictates of the fashion of the
moment like that of the avant-garde, evokes an enduring emotional response.
Yael Gahnassia
from Zvi Malnovitzer catalogue published in December 2000 by Mayanot Gallery Jerusalem
|
Zvi Malnovitzer – Biographical Notes
1945 |
Born in Bnei Brak, Israel, to an ultra-orthodox family. Early schooling in cheder.
|
1958 |
Received a letter of recommendation from the sculptor Ellul Kussow,
expressing enthusiasm about the boy’s talent. |
|
|
1960 |
While studying at the Ponevezh yeshiva, began to learn drawing from Yehuda Wallerstein,
his neighbor in Bnei Brak. |
|
|
1963 |
Drafted in the Army. Reserve duty in the Burial Division. |
|
|
1966 |
Married and began working in a carpentry workshop in south Tel Aviv. Befriended the
denizens of the neighborhood market and workshops, including vendors, beggars, and drunks, who became the subjects of
his work. |
|
|
1977 |
Participated in a group exhibition at the Sarah Kishon Gallery, Tel Aviv. |
|
Solo exhibition at the Herzl Street Bakery, Tel Aviv. |
|
Studied briefly at the Avni Institute, Tel Aviv. |
|
Was introduced to the works of Rembrandt when visiting the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and
the works of Goya at the Prado Museum in Madrid. |
|
|
1977-81 |
Attended seminars with the artist Ernst Fuchs, at Reichenau near Vienna. |
|
|
1978 |
Returned to Israel. Sold his house and car to support his full-time vocation as an
artist, with the blessing of the Rabbi of Lvov. Lived in Bnei Brak. |
|
Solo exhibition, Bental Gallery, Tel Aviv. |
|
|
1979 |
Affiliated with the Hadassah Klatchkin Gallery, Tel Aviv |
|
Solo exhibition at the Schoninger Gallery, Munich. |
|
Studied in Paris. |
|
|
1980 |
Solo exhibition at the Hadassah Klatchkin Gallery, Tel Aviv. |
|
|
1982 |
Group exhibition in Philadelphia. |
|
|
1982-83 |
Studied in New York. |
|
|
1983 |
Group exhibition, Lillian Heidenberg Gallery, New York |
|
Group exhibition, Urbach Gallery, Vienna. |
|
|
1984 |
Solo exhibition at the Yeshiva University Museum, New York. |
|
|
1986 |
Solo exhibition at the Marunouchi Gallery, Tokyo. |
|
|
1998 |
Affiliated with the Mayanot Gallery, Jerusalem. |
|
|
1999 |
Represented by the Mayanot Gallery, Jerusalem |
|
|
2000 |
Publication of an important catalogue by Mayanot Gallery, Jerusalem |
|
|
2002 |
Solo exhibition at Waldorf Astoria , New York City. |
|
|
2007 |
Exhibition at Mayanot Gallery Jerusalem
with publication of an catalogue |
|