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Raphael Abecassis, 1953 -
Raphael Abecassis was born in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1953 and grew up in the South of Israel where he paints today. He studied art at the College of Education in Beersheva.
Raphael is heralded as one of the new generation of Israeli artists with worldwide recognition. Drawing on the 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.
He has exhibited in many museums and galleries in Israel, the United States, and Canada. In both 1986 and 1991, he won the coveted national competition for the official poster of IsraelÕs Independence Day celebrations. In 1989, Prime Minister Itzhak Shamir of Israel presented Vice-President Dan Quayle a gift of the "Song of Songs" by Abecassis. In 1992, the artistÕs 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.
The artistÕs 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, silver and glass. One of the artistÕs noted accomplishments is the acclaimed "Sephardic Heritage Windows" stained glass located at the Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel, in Los Angeles.
In 1996, "Jerusalem 3000" a magnificent collection of 25 paintings by the artist, celebrating JerusalemÕs anniversary, goes on an worldwide tour.