Amram Ebgi
Amram Ebgi immigrated to Israel from Morocco under the auspices of Kibbutz Kfar Blum. He received his early art training in Israel at the Tel Chai Institute, the Avni Institute, and the School of Advance Painting in Tel Aviv. As painter and graphic artist, Amram also served as the official state-designer for the Organization Kibbutzim in Israel.
In 1969, Amram came to the United States as a recipient of a scholarship to the Brooklyn Museum of Art in New York. At the Pratt Graphic Center, he developed a unique love and interest for the contemporary printmaking. As an eternal optimist, Ebgi prefers to reflect harmony, balance and joy in a simplified, decorative execution. His works are lighthearted, in a universal language, and reflect the artist’s personal vision. Ebgi does not consider his work to be directly religious but includes elements of Judaism. Almost every work incorporates the cherished symbol of the bird, symbolizing Israel’s Freedom. Other symbols that radiate from his work include vineyards, menorahs, men in taleisim, Noah’s Ark, doves, and flora.
An average work takes two months to create with some being composed of as many as 60 separate elements or pieces. Yet, when finished, each work is like a masterful symphony orchestrated by a perfect team of musicians – a meticulous shimmering blend of design and color. The versatile artist also works in many other media including oils, watercolor, stained glass, ceramic, woodcarving, and more.
Ebgi’s etchings have been featured on the cover of the Washington Post, World of Art, Israel, The Miami Herald, and Decor Magazine, as well as holiday cards published by UNICEF and Hallmark. His work has found its way into the hearts and homes of numerous collectors including President George Bush. Ebgi has been called a visionary whose imagination combines warmth, sensitivity, and light which gives the complexities of life a subtle structure. If art has the power to bring smiles of joy to individuals and peace amongst nations, then Ebgi is the man who can accomplish that great task.
