Emanuel Kipnis

Born: 1936, Tel Aviv, British Mandate of Palestine
Died: 2020
Nationality: Israeli
Education: Avni Institute of Art and Design; Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design
Occupation: Painter, Graphic Designer, Sculptor

Overview

Emanuel Kipnis (1936–2020) was a distinguished Israeli artist known for his diverse and expressive body of work, encompassing oil paintings, drawings, engravings, sculptures, tapestries, and graphic design. Celebrated for his symbolic representations and rich textures. Kipnis's art work bridges personal narrative, cultural heritage, and contemporary artistic discourse. His art is included in numerous public institutions and private collections worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Born in Tel Aviv during the British Mandate of Palestine, Kipnis was the son of Avigdor Kipnis, who was a prominent painter, writer, and architect influential in the early development of Tel Aviv.

Kipnis began his formal training at the Avni Institute of Art and Design in 1952 and later studied at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem under Dan Hoffner and Aaron Avni. Kipnis expanded his artistic knowledge with studies in France, England, and Italy, shaping his international perspective and refining his unique visual style.

Career

Kipnis's career was launched with solo exhibitions at the Chemerinski Gallery in Tel Aviv. His multidisciplinary approach included large-format oil paintings, illustrations for poetry collections, stage set design, and textile art. He collaborated with the Batsheva Dance Company for 15 years, designing multimedia representations including the notable gold engraving for the production Psalms (1966).

One of his most iconic creations is the Jerusalem of Gold tapestry, permanently housed in the Israeli Knesset’s art collection. He also designed logos for institutions such as the Hapoel sports organization, Avik Pharmaceuticals, and The Association of Engineers.

Kipnis represented Israel in three international solo exhibitions, with a major show in Vienna in 1996, marking Israel’s 40th anniversary. His work has appeared in institutions such as the Chicago Museum of Art, Monaco’s Arts Center, and in private spaces like the Diamond Exchange Foyer in Tel Aviv. His gold print Dove of Peace was awarded to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin following his Nobel Peace Prize win in 1994.

A member of the Israeli Painters and Sculptors Association, Kipnis also taught painting and stained glass in his Tel Aviv studio. His solo and group exhibitions spanned Israel, Europe, and North America.

Artistic Themes

Kipnis's art delves into the emotional fabric of Israeli society and Israeli identity, drawing inspiration from Tel Aviv's bohemian circles, the diasporic longing for homeland, and the historical symbolism of Jerusalem. His works often feature vibrant palettes, dynamic contrasts, and layered symbolism.

Recurring themes include:

Solitary figures in motion, symbolizing personal and collective journeys
Motifs such as crows, horses, rowboats, the Tel Aviv Port, and ancient ruins
A central theme called The Conversation, portraying imagined dialogues among historical, artistic, and personal figures—highlighting the artist’s belief in art as a conduit for social reflection and intellectual exchange

In his later years, Kipnis focused on large-format works depicting clouds, galloping horses, and contemplative elements often using crows as a symbol of introspection, wisdom and transformation.

Personal Life

Kipnis was married to Dina Dubno, daughter of Palmach founder Yitzhak Dubno, for 25 years before their separation in 1990. Together, they had three children.

Legacy

Emanuel Kipnis passed away in November 2020. His artistic legacy is celebrated both in Israel and internationally. His ability to translate complex emotions into visual art has made his work irrevocably poignant . As ArtForum described in 1989, Kipnis’s oeuvre is “a visual dialogue between memory and modernity.”