Born in 1983, Ryan Rakover currently works and lives in Raanana, Israel.
Rather than striving for realism, Rakover's artwork captures the spirit and essence of the subject, using expressive brushwork, empty space, and shifting perspectives. His work reflects themes of tranquility, contemplation, and the insignificance of human presence within the vastness of nature. By layering historical references, personal symbolism, and fragmented language, he creates a dynamic visual dialogue that critiques power structures and reclaims identity.
Living and traveling throughout major urban areas of Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America has influenced the compositions, textures, and surface treatments of his work. He is inspired by urban landscapes, graffiti, growth, and destruction. His pieces are comprised of acrylic paint, spray paint, and charcoal. Rakover's works can be found in corporate and private collections across North America, Israel, and Brazil. His paintings have been exhibited in New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Jerusalem, and Beijing.
Rakover's artistic engagement began when his family moved from the United States to Hong Kong during his early childhood. After ten years in Asia, residing in both Hong Kong and Taiwan, his family relocated to New York City, where, as a teenager, he began formal art studies at the Art Students League. In 2005, he graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA.
In February 2009, Rakover moved to Israel and was awarded by the Israeli government for his contributions to art. In 2010, he was an artist-in-residence at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. Rakover continues to exhibit his work and maintain an active studio practice.
Art Workshops
The art of light and sight transforms the way we perceive the world, shaping depth, mood, and meaning through contrast and reflection. By playing with shadow, brightness, and perspective, one can learn how to guide the eye, revealing hidden details and emotions within a composition.
Material Magic: Discover, Create, Explore! (ages 7+)
Kids dive into art through playful material exploration, building creative tools to understand themselves and the world in fun, hands-on ways!
Teenage Arts Club
Explore how creative mediums can help you develop authentic problem-solving skills. This course guides you in discovering your unique artistic approach to tackling challenges, fostering adaptability, and unlocking new ways of thinking.
Light - Seeing What We See (adult)
Dive into the exciting world of light awareness and discover the captivating 'push and pull' effect all around us! You'll be amazed at how light shapes our perception of depth and space. Join us on this thrilling journey to uncover the beauty of these visual dynamics and supercharge your artistic skills!