Israeli artist explores fourth dimension in digital medium

Having established himself as one of the pioneers of the Kinetic Art Movement in 1955, Israeli artist Yaakov Agam continues to experiment with the genre even at the age of 89 as he explores the use of a fourth dimension in art- variation of space in time, now in the digital medium.
The artist, whose works were showcased by the Bruno arts Gallery at the recently concluded India Art Fair here, began his tryst with digital art in 2013 which is "an interactive screen demonstrating his endless experimentation and innovation".
"Agam's work is amazingly experimental, open and rich. His revolutionary approach led him to create a unique style including the use of geometry, abstraction, vivid colors, black and white," Motti Abramovitz of Bruno art Group told PTI.

One of the distinctive characteristics of Agam's works is his emphasis on creating interactive art pieces that engage viewers through frequent use of movement, light and sound.
"He introduced abstract movement as a feature within his artworks, presenting a vivid kaleidoscope of colors, an environment where perception can play and experiment without limits," says Abramovitz.
Much like lenticular sheets, the artist's works appear different when viewed from different angles - while images can be seen from the front, the right and the left, an abstract amalgamation of these images can be viewed in between.

One such artwork turns day to night, as a viewer shifts from right to left.

Agam, who introduced a fourth dimension of variation of space in time in his art, focuses on creating works of art which would "transcend the visible... With the understanding that it is a partial revelation and not the perpetuation of the existing".
The artist uses unconventional materials such as plastic, resin and enamel.
One of Yagam's artworks that was exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in New York sold for a record breaking sum of USD 698,000 in 2010 making him one of the highest selling Israeli artists.
He has also created larger than life monumental pieces that enhance his "extreme perceptive experiment", which have been installed in many public places around the world.

His "Fire and Water Fountain" showcased at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, not only serves as a landmark in Israel, but had also provoked a vivid public discussion in the past.
Also in the pipeline is the 'Yaakov Agam Museum', which is currently under construction in his hometown Rishon LeZion in Israel, and will be opened shortly.