"Spiral of life"
Gouache
David Sharir was born in 1938 in Israel, the son of Russian immigrants.
He began his
study of art in Tel Aviv and continued in Florence and Rome where
he studied architecture and theater design. His set designs include
such productions as Peer Gynt for the Habima, Israel's National
Theater (1970-71) and Hansel and Gretel for the Opera Company
of Boston (1978-79). The brightly colored costumes and
intricate stage designs which he created for these productions
have profoundly influenced his art.
In 1966, David Sharir moved to Jaffa and it was here that the
style which has become his hallmark was truly developed. His studio,
his family, and his spiritual devotion all served as inspiration
for the imagery in his work. His evolving style combined personal
experience, Biblical symbolism, and fantasy.
Today, Sharir has earned a place as a leading Israeli artist.
His work is represented in
collections as varied as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Israel
Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum; and the Fogg Museum, Harvard
University. His first solo exhibition was held in 1959 in Tel
Aviv. Since that date, he has been shown at the Paris Biennale
of Young Artists (1959,11963); the Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University;
the Safrai Gallery, Jerusalem; and the Pucker Safrai Gallery,
Boston.
Professor of Theater Design at the "Hulon Insitute of Technology,"
Israel
The artist currently resides in the Old City of Jaffa where he
continues to live and work in the spirit of celebration.
