Alex Levin, born in 1975 in Kiev, Ukraine, is a celebrated artist whose works have graced private and public collections worldwide, including the U.S., Israel, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and Ukraine. Renowned for his mastery in both surrealism and realism, Levin employs a diverse array of techniques, such as oil, acrylic, pencil, charcoal, and tempera paints. Notably, he is adept in the 16th-century multi-layering technique that utilizes tempera and oil without brush strokes.
Journey and Influences
After serving three years in the Israeli Army, Levin immigrated to Israel where he studied industrial and web design. He was mentored by Professor Baruch Elron, the Chairman of the Israel Artist Association, for over a decade. Levin’s work has garnered recognition from many notable figures, including actor and producer Richard Gere, Madonna, jazz musician Oscar Peterson, and former President of Israel Ezer Weizman.
Artistic Themes and Collections
Alex Levin’s current work focuses on several key themes:
-
- This collection features the holy Western Wall in Jerusalem and the surrounding religious neighborhood. Levin captures the essence of Jerusalem’s ultra-orthodox Mea Shearim, Jewish attributes, and the people at the Western Wall. In 2007, he received the Medal Award for Contribution to Judaic Art from the Knesset.
-
- Inspired by his favorite season, this series is devoted to Tel Aviv’s architecture, people, sea, and beaches. It portrays the vibrancy of the city against a backdrop of snow-white buildings and clear skies.
Venice through the Mask’s Eyes
-
- This unique collection highlights the Venetian carnival’s most iconic feature—the mask. Levin’s early paintings from this series were introduced in 2002 in Venice, earning him a scholarship to the Venice Academy of Art. This program allowed him to focus on creating new works.
-
- Each painting in this series is inspired by the music of various composers. The collection depicts a dream-city on water—Venice—through a sequence of forty paintings, each transitioning from misty mornings to rainy evenings and star-filled nights.
-
- This series aims to capture the essence of ancient sacred Jewish prayers and the emotional depth of Jewish history. Levin’s goal is to convey the spirit and tears of Jews mourning the destruction of the Temple. This ongoing series will consist of 50-60 paintings, with 20 already completed. Viewers often feel the magical aura and energy emanating from his works, which Levin creates with heartfelt dedication.
Legacy and Recognition
Levin’s art has been celebrated by both critics and admirers for its emotional depth and technical brilliance. His contributions to Judaic art, in particular, have been recognized with prestigious awards, reflecting his commitment to preserving and presenting Jewish heritage through his paintings.
