WORTHINGTON FINE ART GALLERIES

Incredible Vibrant Oil Painting from a student of Tarkay (Itzchak Tarkay (1935-2012), well listed and very popular artist) | Very Colorful Oil on Canvas | Hand Signed by the Artist in Paint in the lower right | Beautifully Framed | Measures 26″ x 30″

About Tarkay: Itzchak Tarkay was born in 1935 in Austria. During World War II, Tarkay and his family spent a year in the Mauthausen concentration camp from 1944-1945. During this time the experiences he dealt with help shape him into the artistic legend we know today.

The concentration camp itself was located in Austria and considered to be the largest of all concentration camps in Europe. Children, wives, husbands and elders were constantly mistreated and ordered to slave through the day with unrealistic physical labor. Oddly enough, during this time Tarkay and his art had begun to shape his future. In fact, after returning home one of his paintings won a prize at his early age.

By 1949, Tarkay immigrated to Israel with his family. Unlike the concentration camp five years prior, they spent time in a transition camp that offered lodging, employment and other basic services until they could become accustomed to the Israeli society. Once removed from Beer Ya’akov, Tarkay went with his family to live on a kibbutz for two years, which is just a collective farming settlement.

Once 1951 rolled around, Tarkay art had become extremely popular amongst the area and beyond. In fact, he even received a scholarship to Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. During this time it was the nation’s national art academy. Unfortunately the family financial situation ended up causing Tarkay to leave school. Instead he improvised and began studying under a well known artist by the name of Schwartzman. This went on until Tarkay began his Israeli army career. Eventually he was able to attend Avni Institute of Art and Design a few years later in Tel Aviv. By 1956 he graduated, while under the tutelage of several famous artists like Moshe Mokady during this time.

Today, we consider Tarkay art to be one of the most influential parts of the early 21st century. Over the years he has built an unbelievable fan base and even influenced other’s artistic careers. The various styles and portrayals of the female figure produced a wide following. It’s said that every one he created is a form of simple elegance and done by acrylic, oil and watercolor media. His graphic artist abilities are master-like as well, utilizing specific textures and layers to allow detailed silk screen prints.

51 years later we saw Tarkay art hanging in exhibits all over the world. One of the most notable was the International Art Expo in New York in 1986 and 1987. Fast forward to today and people are still enjoying the art produced by Tarkay and his interesting life. There are several books about his life, career and paintings to bring forth a better understanding of Tarkay.