Israeli Photorealist Yigal Ozeri Returns to Tel Aviv for New Exhibition
Israeli-born photorealist artist Yigal Ozeri is returning to Tel Aviv for his new exhibition 'Road Trip' at Zemack Gallery, featuring American landscapes alongside a poignant tribute project dedicated to artists murdered on October 7.
After living and creating in New York for 35 years, Israeli-born artist Yigal Ozeri is returning to Tel Aviv for a major new exhibition titled "Road Trip" at the Zemack Gallery, opening on October 22. Known as one of the leading figures in photorealism, Ozeri's meticulous oil paintings often evoke striking photographs, capturing vast American landscapes, roadside diners, and nostalgic road trip motifs.
The American Dream and Artistic Evolution
Born in Israel in 1951, Ozeri moved to New York in 1991 following a breakout exhibition where a Swedish collector bought his entire collection on the spot. Since then, he has built an international career, exhibiting globally and entering prestigious collections such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Smithsonian. His works command substantial prices, ranging from $20,000 for smaller pieces to upwards of $100,000 for large-scale canvases, with custom commissions reaching significantly higher.
Despite his commercial success and the meticulous technique that defines photorealism, Ozeri firmly rejects criticism that his work lacks emotion. "The photograph is completely flat, but the painting is full of life," he notes. "It is not hocus-pocus; it is work from the head, to the heart, to the hand."
Art, Memory, and the Aftermath of October 7
Alongside his signature American landscapes, Ozeri’s upcoming exhibition features a deeply personal and poignant project born from the events of October 7. Titled "Artist. Portrait. Artist," the dedicated space showcases portraits painted by Ozeri in memory of artists murdered during the Hamas massacres, including Chaim Peri and Aner Shapiro, alongside their original works.
Ozeri became involved after assisting the Ben-Zvi Institute’s "Eretz Hefetz" project, connecting Israeli researchers with archival experts from the September 11 memorial in New York to learn preservation techniques for the devastated Gaza envelope communities. Moved by the tragedy, he offered to paint portraits of the fallen artists to honor their legacy and support their families.
Reflecting on the shifting cultural climate in New York since the outbreak of the war, Ozeri acknowledges the rising hostility and anti-Israel sentiment in the art world. During a recent exhibition at Eitan Cohen's gallery, armed security guards were deployed as protesters gathered outside. Despite these challenges, Ozeri remains focused on the unifying power of art, hoping that his work continues to open hearts and inspire viewers.
