Yaacov Agam is an Israeli artist known for his contributions to kinetic and optical art. He was born on May 11, 1928, in Rishon LeZion, Mandatory Palestine (now Israel). Agam is considered one of the pioneers of the kinetic art movement, which explores the use of movement and perception to create dynamic and interactive artworks.
Agam’s works often involve geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and the manipulation of light and space to create visual effects that change as the viewer moves around the artwork. His art is characterized by a strong emphasis on viewer participation, encouraging the audience to engage with the pieces actively.
One of Agam’s most famous works is the concept of “Agamographs,” which are images that transform or change when viewed from different angles. These works typically involve multiple layers or elements that create an illusion of movement or transformation as the observer shifts their perspective.
Throughout his career, Yaacov Agam has exhibited his works internationally and has gained recognition for his innovative approach to art. His pieces can be found in various museums, galleries, and public spaces around the world.
Yaacov Agam Quotes
1. “My aim is to show the visible as possibility in a state of perpetual becoming.”
— Yaacov Agam
2. “My intention was to create a work of art which would transcend the visible, which cannot be perceived except in stages, with the understanding that it is a partial revelation and not the perpetuation of the existing. My aim is to show what can be seen within the limits of possibility which exists in the midst of coming into being.”
— Yaacov Agam
3. “There is a childlike side in the work of the Dadaists, Klee, Miró, Calder and Picasso. I am trying to make things that are very, very serious, and what comes out of it is things that are quite friendly, gay, and sometimes even amusing. [Chaim] Soutine tried to work like Rembrandt, and yet there is nothing of Rembrandt in his pictures.”
— Yaacov Agam
