Speaker: Jonathan Kis-Lev , Artist
Topic: The Young Artist in Israel Today

Jonathan Kis-Lev b.1985 to Russian Jewish immigrant parents spent his childhoodin a small village on the outskirts of Jerusalem. As a young boy he demonstrated great talent for drawing and painting, and began private lessons at age 5 with a Russian painter.
Kis-Lev studied at Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts. At sixteen, he was granted a full scholarship to study visual arts in Canada, studying painting, sculpture, etching and printswith Art Brendon.
Kis-Lev returned to Israel to join the IDF. During his military service he continued to develop his technique and  held his first exhibition in the Tel Aviv Trade Tower in February 2007, followed by many others.

Kis-Lev says: "My goal is to bring happiness, joy, excitement and love to the viewers of my art. Though kitschy, that's where I get my drive from". Kis-Lev's inspirations include Israeli artists Reuven Rubin and Nahum Gutman, as well as Van Gogh, Matisse and the fauvists. As of 2010 Kis-Lev's studio is located in Jerusalem.

In the ESRA meeting Jonathan will bring with him few examples of his mixed media small paintings for sale, and a presentation about his art and about his main influences. He will share with us anecdotes about his day to day life as a young artist in Israel today, and will answer our questions. This is an opportunity for us to meet in person one of the most promising young artists in Israel, and get to know his art and his energetic view about the world as is reflected in his colorful exuberant paintings. 
                                 
Refreshments will be served. 3:30 – 4:p.m.