Igael Tumarkin

Igael Tumarkin (יגאל תומרקין; 1933-2021), one of the most important artists active in Israel, was a multidisciplinary artist and winner of the Israel Prize for Sculpture in 2004. His work included sculpture, painting, drawing, graphics, stage design, and journalistic and literary writing. He worked throughout the years in Israel and around the world – in Europe, the USA, and Japan. Tumarkin was born in Dresden, Germany, as Peter Martin Gregor Heinrich, and in 1935 he immigrated to the Land of Israel with his mother, changing his name to Igael Tumarkin. His work was influenced by a variety of sources – distant cultures, literature, poetry, theater, cinema, philosophy, and history – and these influences were intertwined throughout his artistic career.

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During his lifetime, Tumarkin created hundreds of works and placed sculptures and monuments throughout the country and the world – in cities, kibbutzim, development towns and even on IDF bases – most of which are accessible to the general public. He participated in dozens of group exhibitions and presented many solo exhibitions, represented Israel in international exhibitions and won many awards. His works are preserved and exhibited in private collections and important museums in Israel and around the world, and are considered milestones in Israeli art.

 

Even after his death in August 2021, his work and cultural presence continue to influence and be part of the artistic discourse in Israel.