The foundation of the Bezalel Academy of Art in Jerusalem in 1906 is considered to be the beginning of modern art in the Land of Israel. Israeli art has continued to evolve, reflecting Israeli history, society and identity. Israeli art today demonstrates rich and diverse approaches as well as a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography and video art.
From the beginning of the 20th century, visual arts in Israel have shown a creative orientation influenced by the encounter between East and West, as well as by the land itself and its development, the character of the cities, and stylistic trends emanating from art centers abroad. In painting, sculpture, photography, and other art forms, the country’s varied landscape is the protagonist: the hill terraces and ridges produce special dynamics of line and shape; the foothills of the Negev, the prevailing grayish-green vegetation and the clear luminous light result in distinctive color effects; and the sea and sand affect surfaces. On the whole, local landscapes, concerns, and politics lie at the center of Israeli art and ensure its uniqueness.
Israel has more museums per capita than any other country in the world, and Israeli museums have millions of annual visitors from across the globe.