Curator: Avishay Ayal
The Israeli artist Avner Katz grew up in kibbutz Ramat Rachel. Years later, he was first introduced to the art world at the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts in Jerusalem. From here, Katz went on to serve as a graphic artist in the IDF before becoming a widely successful illustrator and artist. He is known for his paintings, illustrations, and sculptures, many of which have been published in children's books or displayed at various exhibitions throughout Israel.
Because Katz was an instrumental faculty member of our art department, we are especially proud to display Katz' works here at the University of Haifa. Katz began his career at the university as an art lecturer in 1977. Katz also served as the head of the art department for three and a half years and, during his tenure, he made many lasting contributions. Katz worked hard to bring in several diverse lecturers and to implement the department teaching curriculum that still exists today. As a professor, he was revered for his multi-faceted talents in the art and his sense of humor. Katz' extensive familiarity with the art world, vast knowledge of Hebrew and general literature, and involvement in Israeli media and society enabled him to make unique connections and affinities and be especially successful in art and academia.
Katz' artwork is known for its almost old-fashioned quality. His largely figurative art employs classical methods and displays his excellent talent in drawing and painting.
This exhibition features works created by Katz over a period of more than 40 years. This exhibition is uniquely multidisciplinary; Katz' exhibitions generally only one of his mediums pertaining to a specific theme. This exhibition, however, displays his illustrations, drawings, prints, paintings, sculptures, books, and objects, side by side, at both the Hecht Museum and the University's Art Gallery. The collection at the Hecht Museum focuses on his earlier works on paper, including his book illustrations. The display at the Art Gallery curates Katz' later paintings, linocuts, and sculptures.
To Exhibition Catalogue Avner Katz | Pinecones (2008)
Karate, 1976, Pencil and tempera on cardboard
Flying Donkey, 1979, Pen, ink and watercolor
Goal II, 1972, Pencil and tempera on oaktag, Private collection
Summer in the Studio, 2003, Wax crayons and Lumograph pencil
No One Like That, 1981, Fountain brush and Letrafilm
Mural, 1991, Fountain pen, acrylic and pencil
Tortoise Solves a Problem, 1979, Pen, ink, watercolor and gouache
Pinecones, 2006, Watercolor on paper