Gideon Shani

ARTIST

Biography

Life Events

Artist Statement – Gideon Shani

My work is inspired by the magical and romantic beauty of Israel’s southern landscapes, particularly the Negev Desert, which I first encountered during my military service. Since then, for over 50 years, this landscape has become the foundation of my physical, mental, and emotional existence.

My encounter with the land is one of belonging and commitment—not that of a mere observer. It reflects a connection to the history of my ancestors, who wandered these lands thousands of years ago; a connection to the desert dwellers who arrived here centuries ago; a connection to the people who live here today; and a connection to the pristine and primordial beauty of the Negev’s vast expanses—from the Great Crater (Makhtesh HaGadol), a unique geological formation with its cosmic colors and shapes, to the dramatic landscapes of Mount Sodom, which cast both awe and enchantment upon the observer.

My creative process unfolds in several stages. Whether I connect with the view as it appears from my window or venture into the landscape to immerse myself in it and capture its colors and textures, I begin by photographing my subject from multiple angles. I then sketch the outlines of my visual experience, and only later do I attempt to express it—realistically yet impressionistically—through layers of oil paint.

Biography

Country of Birth & Citizenship: Israel
Year of Birth: 1938

Gideon Shani was born and raised in Kfar Saba, Israel. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bar-Ilan University and a Master’s degree in Social Sciences and Mathematics from the University of Haifa. Additionally, he is a graduate of the IDF Command and Staff College, holds a diploma from the National Security College, and completed studies at the Center for Visual Arts at Kaye Academic College of Education.

Shani embarked on his artistic journey after retiring in 2005. He specialized in painting at the Center for Visual Arts at Kaye College, completing his training as a certified senior art instructor. His style is realistic, and he primarily works with oil paints, while also incorporating watercolors and acrylics. His paintings depict natural landscapes, still life, and portraits, with a particular emphasis on the Negev Desert, which has shaped his physical, mental, and emotional surroundings for decades.

In 2015, he expanded his artistic practice to include sculpture, under the guidance of sculptor Tzipi Biran. His sculptural works focus on expressive portraits and are deeply rooted in Biblical themes of heroism and sacrifice. He sculpts in clay, casting his works in bronze and polyester, while maintaining the tradition of realistic sculpture.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Shani has been actively involved in promoting art in Israel. Between 2012 and 2016, he served as the chairman of the Association of Painters and Sculptors of Be’er Sheva and the Negev, initiating and strengthening collaborations with artist associations across the country. Concurrently, he also volunteered as an art instructor at the Be’er Sheva Mental Health Center.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Selected Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions

2022 – “The Desert”, Zaritsky Artists’ House, Tel Aviv, Israel
2022 – “What Was Will Be”, The Lake Gallery, Ra’anana, Israel
2019 – “Biblical Current Affairs”, The Lake Gallery, Ra’anana, Israel
2018 – “Two Painters and Another Painter”, Chagall House, Haifa, Israel
2016 – “Between Be’er Sheva and the Jabbok Crossing”, The Lake Gallery, Ra’anana, Israel
2016 – “From Nowhere to Nowhere”, Chagall House, Haifa, Israel
2015 – “Sound and Color”, The Khan Museum, Ashkelon, Israel
2014 – “Breaking Through”, Joe Alon Center, Israel
2014 – “The Growth of Material in the Creator’s Hands”, Kaye Academic College, Israel
2013 – “Goral Settlements”, Artists’ House, Be’er Sheva, Israel
2013 – “Three Painters, One Desert”, The Hill Gallery, Meitar, Israel
2013 – “Goral Hills II”, Beit Bad-Dafna, Omer, Israel
2012 – “Goral Hills I”, W Tower, Tel Aviv, Israel
2012 – “Around Be’er Sheva”, Kaye Academic College, Israel
2012 – “Journey on Route 40”, Ariel Cultural Center, Israel
2011 – “Southern Texture”, Omer Gardens Gallery, Israel
2010 – “Route 40”, Municipal Library, Be’er Sheva, Israel
2008 – “Skyline”, Beit Bad-Dafna, Omer, Israel
2008 – “Portrait and Landscape”, Municipal Library, Be’er Sheva, Israel

Selected Group Exhibitions Abroad

2023 – “Poetry of the Muses”, National Museum Palatul Culturi Iasi, Romania
2015 – “Point of View”, Santa Maria Museum, Rome, Italy
2011 – “Mirrors 2”, Wuppertal, Germany
2010 – “Defined Moment in Time”, Chelsea Old Town Hall, London, UK
2010 – “Following Yesterday”, Hovinkartno Art Center, Finland

Additionally, Shani has participated in over 100 group exhibitions across Israel and various countries worldwide.

Awards & Recognitions