David Leviathan

'Phoenix Angel' oil on canvas by Leviathan

2006

David Leviathan, born on 6 August 1950, is a multi-talented Israeli artist, renowned for his contributions to painting, sculpting, and poetry. Growing up in the nurturing environment of Kibbutz Givat Brenner in Israel, Leviathan's artistic journey began to unfold right after completing his military service in 1972. He honed his skills at the Avni Institute of Fine Arts, where he not only studied under the guidance of the esteemed artist Yehezkel Streichman but also later assumed the role of a teacher himself. After a period of exploration in the late 1970s, where he delved into the intertwining cycles of nature and the female monthly cycle through three-dimensional objects, Leviathan shifted his focus to Amsterdam in 1979. Influenced by Albert Camus' thought-provoking book, "The Fall," he channeled his artistic expression into composing oil paintings that grappled with Camus' ideas. This marked the inception of his first solo exhibition in Amsterdam, aptly titled "The Fall." In the subsequent years, Leviathan's art embraced the Four Elements (Air, Water, Fire, & Earth) as a central theme for his abstracts, complemented by captivating Human Heads, some of which adorned enormous canvases. Seeking inspiration and a broader perspective, he spent two weeks annually from 1981 to 1989 on various Greek islands, where he relied on a donkey to carry his equipment. This immersive experience allowed him to further explore the vibrancy of the elements and the depths of the human form. Having obtained Dutch citizenship in 1992, Leviathan spent the following years traversing between Amsterdam and Paris, immersing himself in the creative energy of both cities. A temporary return to Israel saw the white color taking on a significant role in his work, contributing to the unique ambiance he sought to create. Throughout his artistic endeavors, a recurring motif in Leviathan's work is the contemplation of life and death within the cyclicality of existence. He often portrays old women in his art, focusing intently on their facial expressions and using techniques to blur and obscure the images. This approach aims to capture profound spiritual emotions and establish a certain atmospheric essence, evoking a delicate balance between growth and decline. David Leviathan's remarkable artistic exploration continues to captivate audiences, as he continuously pushes the boundaries of creativity and introspection. His works invite viewers to contemplate the mysteries of life, death, and the essence of the human experience. 1