Nahum Gutman

Nahum Gutman, an Israeli painter, sculptor, illustrator, and author, is renowned for his vibrant and dynamic works that capture the essence of early 20th-century Tel Aviv and the Israeli landscape. His artistic style is characterized by bold colors, a keen sense of composition, and a unique ability to blend reality with fantasy. Gutman’s work often reflects his deep connection to the land of Israel and its people, playing a significant role in shaping the visual and cultural identity of the young nation.

Born in the Bessarabian town of Telenești (now in Moldova), Gutman immigrated with his family to Ottoman Palestine in 1905. He studied at the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts in Jerusalem and later continued his studies in Vienna, Berlin, and Paris. While in Berlin and Paris, he participated in exhibitions with notable artists such as Chagall, Modigliani, and Soutine.

Upon returning to Tel Aviv, Gutman became one of the city’s most prominent artists and was instrumental in the establishment of the Israeli art scene. His work has been exhibited in New York, Boston, South Africa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, and featured in public places across Tel Aviv, including the History of Jaffa and Tel Aviv mosaic-decorated fountain.

Gutman’s art was heavily inspired by the sea, as he viewed the world through that lens. This inspiration led him to create pieces using flat-colored fields placed on top of one another to form distinct color combinations. In addition to his paintings, Gutman is well known for his illustrations and children’s books, which have become classics in Israeli literature. His work is celebrated for its narrative quality, whimsical characters, and vivid portrayal of everyday life in Israel.

Gutman’s legacy is preserved in the Nahum Gutman Museum of Art in Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv, which houses a comprehensive collection of his works and continues to inspire new generations of artists and art lovers.