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David Rakia (Shternfeld), Israeli, born Austria, 1928-2012

David Rakia was born in Vienna, Austria in 1928 to a religious family and his father was a Torah scribe. In 1938, Rakia's family made Aliyah to the land of Israel. He was injured in the War of Independence. After meeting Mordechai Ardon in the mid-1950's he began to study art at night classes in the 'New Bezalel School'. Afterwards, Rakia traveled to study art in Paris where he was exposed to and impressed by Surrealist and Symbolist art.

David's early works are characterized by their expressiveness and by their use of strong colors. During the 1960's, his work began to include metaphysical motifs from Judaism, such as the usage of Hebrew letters, descriptions of Jerusalem, and the like. Member of the Jewish Painters' Association, Paris, France, 1958

Education

1953-55 Bezalel, Jerusalem, with Isidor Aschheim and Yakov Eisenscher
1955-1960 Ecole des Beaux Arts, Paris, France, painting, lithography, monumental art

Environmental Sculptures

1972 Wall Mural, Uziel School, Jerusalem, "The New Day"
1976 Wall Mural, Rehavia High School, Jerusalem