Yaacov Feldman is a contemporary Israeli realist artist who believes that everyday objects can reveal profound truths about life. As he often says: “Ordinary things inhabiting an artist’s pictures — a garlic bulb, a matchbox, or a pair of scissors — can sometimes tell you no less than human characters about the mystery of existence.”
Born in Vitebsk, Feldman graduated from the Vitebsk Art School in 1987 and later studied at the Academy of Textile Design. He immigrated to Israel in 1991. Since then, his works have been exhibited in Paris, Jerusalem, Amsterdam, and beyond.
“Flag and Talit”
In his painting “Flag and Talit”, Yaacov Feldman brings together two powerful symbols that share a deep connection: one literally gave birth to the other.
Before the First Zionist Congress in Basel in 1897, Theodor Herzl suggested a white flag with seven golden stars. But Zionist leader David Wolfsohn had a different vision. He said:
“Why search for something new? We already have a flag. The tallit with which we wrap ourselves during prayer — this tallit is our symbol. Let us take it out of its case and unroll it before the eyes of Israel and before the eyes of all nations.”
That simple yet brilliant idea shaped the design of the Israeli flag. The tallit’s white background, blue stripes, and later the addition of the Magen David created the national flag we know today.
When Feldman places the Israeli flag and the tallit next to each other in the painting, he highlights one of the state’s most profound challenges.
The artwork captures the texture of the fabric and the quiet power of these symbols with remarkable realism.
More Works by Yaacov Feldman at Kings Gallery
Feldman has a unique ability to turn ordinary objects into stories about the people and places they belong to.
In “Roses in a Glass”, bright flowers stand out against a gray background and seem to push the gloom out of the room.
His urban landscapes also tell compelling tales:
• “Tel Aviv Landscape” captures the city’s rapid growth. Old buildings in the foreground fade before the towering skyscrapers in the distance. Warm sand tones create a soft, tranquil mood, while the light blue sky and gentle haze give the painting a dreamy atmosphere.
• “Old City View” shows Jerusalem at sunset. Saturated colors, fiery rooftops, and distant mountains make this landscape intense and piercing. The houses in the background appear to melt into the surrounding hills.
• “Jerusalem Courtyards” invites viewers into a beautiful, quiet courtyard nestled between historic Jerusalem buildings, each carrying its own unique story and atmosphere.
About Kings Gallery
Kings Gallery is a leading fine art gallery established in Jerusalem in 1995. Particularly, we strive to collect and sell the highest quality historic and contemporary Israeli and International art. The gallery specializes primarily in artists from the early period of the 1920’s. Besides, Kings Gallery features leading up-and-coming young artists who will definitely be prominent names in the next few years.
If you are looking for meaningful Israeli art that combines technical mastery with deep cultural and historical resonance, visit Kings Gallery in Jerusalem or explore our online collection.