Wikipedia
Emanuel Kipnis
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 several public institutions and private collections worldwide.[1]
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.[1]
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.[1]
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.”
Selected Exhibitions
Israel (Solo)
1962–1965: General Gallery, Tel Aviv
1970–1973: Chemerinski Gallery, Tel Aviv
1974–1975: President’s Mansion (Jerusalem), Larom Hotel (Eilat), Rotary Club (Lod)
1994: Ramat Gan Museum
Others: Artist’s House (Tel Aviv), Lous Gallery, America House, Bat Yam Museum, Kibbutzim and museums across Israel
International
1969: Ohana Gallery, London
1973: National Arts Centre, Ottawa; Romi Gallery, Milan
1975: Ponte Vecchio Gallery, Florence
1980: Chateau Menir, Paris
1982–1983: National Arts Centres (Philadelphia, California)
1986: Museum of Art, Chicago
1987: Palais Panto, Vienna
Notable Creations
Jerusalem of Gold tapestry – Knesset, Jerusalem
Boats installation – Diamond Exchange, Tel Aviv
Dove of Peace – Awarded to PM Yitzhak Rabin
Logos: Hapoel, Avik Pharmaceuticals, Association of Engineers
Posters: Bat-Sheva De Rothschild Ensemble
Textile works and tapestries across Israel and Europe
Awards
Histadrut Engineers Award
Tel Aviv Medal of Honor
Desert Tapestry Prize (Be’er Sheva)
Mayor’s Award (Jerusalem)
Ministry of Culture Award
Theatre Poster Award – 15
Education & Training
ORT Institute in Architecture
Apprenticeships with Dan Hoffner and Aaron Avni
Advanced studies in France, England, and Italy
Affiliations
Member, Israeli Painters and Sculptors Association
References
Haaretz article on Kipnis’s Tel Aviv rooftop studio (2011)
External links
● Batsheva – Profile