Iris Ahuva Pykovski
Iris Ahuva Pykovski (b. 1968, California, USA, lives and works in Jerusalem) graduated from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design – the Orthodox Extension, Jerusalem. Her work has featured in exhibitions, including at the Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem; the New Gallery Tedi Stadium, Jerusalem; Barbur Gallery, Jerusalem; and the Museum of Natural History, Jerusalem.
Originally from the United States, Pykovski was raised in Israel. After serving in the army as a Lieutenant, she moved to Los Angeles and work in fashion design and production. In 2000, she relocated to Nepal and founded a clothing factory and restaurant named "OR2K". During her stay in Nepal, she repented when painting became a milestone in her spiritual process. After returning to Israel ten years later, she devotes most of her time to her artistic practice and teaching.
Pykovski's paintings explore spiritual themes drawn from Hasidism and Kabbalah, combining content from various sources while seeking harmony between them. Her inspiration stems from observing and residing in sacred and ancient architectural structures, urban spaces, and holy places. She also collects images from the internet, old newspapers and magazines, art history, poetry, and photographs. These are assembled into a visual mosaic as the collage painting style enables her to integrate images and create an alternate reality. Hybrid structures and spaces are created by combining the mundane real world and matter with a spiritual, imaginary, and dream world. Portrait photo by Rachel Verliebter; artworks and installation photos by Cheli Jusewitz and Hadas Hai.
