About the artist:

Raphael Abecassis, Moroccan/Israeli (1953 - ) Raphael Abecassis was born in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1953 and grew up in Israel where he paints today. He studied art at the College of Education in Beersheva. Raphael Abecassis is heralded as one of the new generation of Israeli artists with worldwide recognition. Drawing on rich Jewish tradition, to which he brings his tremendous talent, Abecassis has developed a strikingly unique style, combining Jewish symbols, sephardic motifs, and modern composition into a well harmonized bold celebration of color. Raphael Abecassis has been exhibited in many museums and galleries in Israel, the United States, Europe and Canada. In both 1986 and 1991 he won the coveted national competition for the official poster of Israel's Independence Day celebrations. In 1992, the artist's exhibit "Odyssey of Spanish Jews" commemorating 500 years since the expulsion of the Jews from Spain went on an international tour from Jerusalem to Montreal, Los Angeles and New York City Hall. In 1996, "Jerusalem 3000" a magnificent collection of 25 paintings by the artist, celebrating Jerusalem's anniversary goes on a worldwide tour. In 1999, Raphael Abecassis completes a collection of paintings titled "Place and Time". Inspired by biblical characters, the exhibit goes on a tour of the US in November '99. The artist's works are a combination of the symbols of long-standing Jewish tradition with an innovative collection of colors and forms. His works are a synthesis of the natural and the supernatural, the traditional and the modern, the decorative and the mystic. In subtly varied compositions, precise calligraphy and often freshly daring natural colors, Abecassis creates works of the finest aesthetic harmonies and formal perfection. The artist works in a variety of media including paintings, serigraphy, ceramic, embroidery, silver and stained glass windows. People love the artist's wonderful use of color and his whimsical style. Raphael Abecassis is a master of modern Jewish art.