Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, pioneer and leading exponent of optical and kinetic art, is showcasing his three-dimensional works for the first time in the capital

Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, pioneer and leading exponent of optical and Kinetic art, is showcasing his three-dimensional works for the first time in the capital

 

Legendary Israeli artist Yaacov Agam known for his innovative form of art that stresses change and movement, is showcasing his first solo exhibition titled ‘Beyond The Invisible’ in the capital in association with Bruno Art Group.

 

The exhibition includes 20 works by the artist created in the last four decades of his artistic career, ranging from polymorphs, kinetic sculptures and agamographs to digital works. “Yaacov is the world renowned master and pioneer of the kinetic movement in art and is the man responsible for bringing the idea of the fourth dimension into the art world,” shares Motti Abramovitz, owner and CEO, Bruno Art Group and also the curator of the show.

 

Yaacov works in a variety of media and his creation of the ‘agamograph’ (a multiple series of images viewed through a lenticular lens that changes at every angle viewed), has allowed his unique concept to be appreciated by collectors across the world. “In 1953, Yaacov held his first solo exhibition at the Galerie Graven in Paris. He created sophisticated sculptures that evoke invisible possibilities of a given space and established himself as one of the leading pioneers of the kinetic art movement,” states Motti.

 

In 1964, Yaacov wrote in his artistic statement talking about his style of work: “My intention was to create a work of art which would transcend the visible, which cannot be perceived except in stages, with the understanding that it is a partial revelation and not the perpetuation of the existing. My aim is to show what can be seen within the limits of possibility which exists in the midst of coming into being.”

 

A man of faith, Judaism had the strongest influence on Yaacov’s art and is primarily responsible for his preoccupation with the notion of the fourth dimension shares Motti. “Born as Yaakov Gipstein, the artist took a pseudonym Agam that primarily signifies tradition and a way of life, and deals with philosophy and spiritual knowledge.”

 

His work titled ‘Homage a tantra’ is a multiple sculpture with serigraphic images in colour. It is a reference to a religious ritual and meditation that arose in medieval India back in the fifth to ninth centuries AD. “Tantra especially deals with techniques and rituals including meditative and spiritual practices. The term Agama, which is a part of tantra, is paradoxically similar to the surname of the artist,” points out Motti.

 

Yaacov is one of the very few artists in the world who encourage viewers to touch and feel their work as according to him, the dialogue is very important because it creates the necessary movement in his work. Motti says, “The viewer has the freedom of choice in terms of perspective. In an age where the consumer has become more active and the media more interactive, Yaacov’s work is becoming more and more relevant.”

 

He continues. “Apart from his diverse and intense career as an artist, Yaacov conducted lectures about his theories and experimentations at many art schools, conventions and universities around the world. His goal is to overcome the literal limitation which is dealing merely with naming, and to teach the international visual language which engages with substance. The digital artworks on display at the show are the best example.”