Evgeniy Abezgauz Artist Country: Israel

Biography of Evgeny Abezgauz

Evgeny Abezgauz is a renowned artist whose name is known not only for his paintings but also for his Russian bathhouse, Isabella grapes, and signature Barkanovka liqueur. His works are exhibited in prestigious galleries around the world. Although he could have gained fame solely for his other ventures, Abezgauz is also a talented painter.

Born and raised in the village of Ein Hod near Haifa, Israel, Abezgauz has been surrounded by artists, writers, and other creative individuals since the establishment of the state of Israel. His artistic journey began at a young age, as he was taught to paint with oils by his father, who hailed from Vitebsk, the same hometown as Marc Chagall.

However, his mother, a prominent engineer and professor, discouraged him from pursuing a career in art, claiming that being an artist was not a viable profession. As a result, Abezgauz initially pursued engineering and studied at the Bonch-Bruevich Institute of Communications, dedicating eight years of his life to the field.

After getting married and having a daughter, Abezgauz felt a shift in his life and decided to pursue his passion for art. He joined the "Alef" group in St. Petersburg, which was part of the non-conformist movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Their exhibitions gained significant acclaim, attracting over 100,000 visitors in Moscow alone in 1976.

During the period when Nikita Khrushchev targeted artists, Abezgauz was already an established artist. However, he and his group were not subject to the same persecution as those affiliated with the Union of Artists and the Art Foundation. The "Alef" group opposed socialist realism and operated as an alternative to the official art movement.

In 1972, Abezgauz applied to emigrate to Israel and faced four years of rejection before finally being allowed to leave in December 1976. During this time, he faced scrutiny from the authorities and was even dismissed from his job as an architect at Lenproject.

Upon his arrival in Israel, Abezgauz found that his expectations of a harsh desert life were unfounded. He discovered a culturally civilized country with a high standard of living. He felt a sense of harmony within himself and embraced Judaism, although he considers himself a non-kosher believer.

Abezgauz's art is influenced by various themes, including the pursuit of peace and the transient nature of life, as depicted in his series inspired by the Book of Ecclesiastes. His paintings have gained recognition worldwide, and he continues to create art that resonates with viewers.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Abezgauz is known for his secret recipe for the Barkanovka liqueur, which consists of 20 healing herbs. Despite the rumors that he guards the recipe closely, he dismisses them as false.

Abezgauz designed his own home, which includes a studio, in Israel. He lives there with his wife, who worked as an engineer for the Israeli Ministry of Communications and played a significant role in the development of Israeli telephone companies. They have two grandchildren who bring joy and laughter to their lives.

With a positive outlook on life, Abezgauz believes that every moment is filled with joy. He cherishes his artistic career and the opportunities it has afforded him, and he continues to create art that captivates audiences worldwide.