Zvi Cohen

Zvi Cohen, (Zvika), was born in Bucharest, Romania, 1947, lives and works in Israel since 1950. Zvi is graduated BSc, Electronics Engineering, Beer Sheva University, 1974. Married to Hana, has 3 children and 8 grandchildren. His painting is mostly contemporary, abstract, conceptual and figurative in style and is done with a range of classic and industrial materials. Zvi serviced in the IDF 1965 – 1990, retired as Lieutenant Colonel. Later on, he worked until retirement in 2014 at IAI Elta Ashdod. Currently, since 2016 he is taking art courses at Hakubia Art School in Jerusalem. During his IDF service he was taking art classes with artist Lev Shteinman 1982-1984. Once retired IDF he studied at Bat Yam Art College 1990-1992. From 2014 to 2016; Betzalel Jerusalem, External Studies. Zvika Cohen is a multifaceted artist. Since the end of the 1970s, he has been painting and drawing unremittingly, exploring themes and techniques, and working with various media on a variety of surfaces. Curiosity and internal drive motivate his creativeness, which infuses in him a sense of liberation and freedom. His fierce curiosity has inspired him towards intense self-erudition, to study under the expertise of several teachers, and establishing a fertile dialogue with Art History. Cohen has never been a full-time artist. His artistic avocation has always supplemented his day job as a career Officer and Electronics Engineer. For years he worked and works on his art in his small studio. Here, he chose to explore this limiting setting that forced him to adapt to smaller formats, and channel his interest towards new and innovative techniques. The combination of “real life” vs. life of creativity, of the mundane vs. the sublime and of reality vs. dream is present in Cohen’s works and distinguishes them both subject-wise and medium-wise. In Cohen's works, the lines, patches of paint and choice of color take on a provocative and expressive role. They reflect the internal spirit and frenetic handprint that express his desire for relief and self-expression. Zvi exhibited at art exhibitions In Ashdod, Jerusalem Biennale, other private collections and galleries. He also participated, in Spier, Germany at an international exhibition called “The Megila”.