Yaacov Agam

(1928 - )

Yaacov Agam was born Jacob Gipstein. This son of a Russian rabbi grew up in Rishon Le-Zion and became the leading exponent of optical and kinetic art. When first introduced, his works destroyed the accepted ideas of art as a fixed image. As one critic put it, he has sought a unique form of expression that reflects the reality of Judaism as something removed from the art rooted in other civilizations. Rather than frozen in time, Agam’s work is in a state of perpetual becoming. He is best known for his three-dimensional paintings and sculptures, including the water fountain on Dizengoff Street in the heart of Tel Aviv.