Yaacov Agam, the internationally celebrated Israeli kinetic and op artist whose geometric moving works transformed public spaces worldwide, died Sunday at age 98. Culture Minister Miki Zohar called him a groundbreaking artist who gave Israeli creation a unique language.
Yaacov Agam — born Yaacov Gipstein in Palestine in 1928 — was the founding father of kinetic and optical art in Israel and a globally recognized pioneer. His best-known works include the geometric water fountain in Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Square, the “Fire and Water” sculpture at the President’s residence in Jerusalem, and hundreds of public installations in cities from Paris to Tokyo.
Agam studied under the Bauhaus color theorist Johannes Itten in Zurich, and his first solo exhibition in Paris in 1953 introduced his “polyphonic” paintings that change appearance as the viewer moves. He was awarded the Israel Prize for Fine Art in 2018. His death was first reported by The Zioneer. Culture Minister Miki Zohar said Agam “gave Israeli creation a unique and inspiring language,” and that his artistic legacy “will continue to illuminate and influence generations of creators in Israel and worldwide.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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