Israeli artist, pioneer of kinetic art Yaacov Agam dies at 98

Yaacov Agam, the Israeli artist celebrated worldwide as a founder of the kinetic art movement, died Sunday at the age of 98. His passing marks the end of an era for Israeli culture, where his innovative work became a treasured part of the national artistic landscape.

Agam's art was characterized by its dynamic interplay of color, movement, light, and viewer engagement. His pieces often featured shifting perspectives, appearing to change as the viewer moved, thereby inviting a unique dialogue with the artwork. This accessible yet profound style resonated with audiences of all ages and levels of art appreciation.

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I was deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of the artist Yaakov Agam, recipient of the Israel Prize and one of the most prominent and influential Israeli artists in the world.

Born Yaacov Gibstein in Rishon Lezion in 1928, Agam's artistic journey included studies at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem and later in Zurich. In 2026, he was honored with the Israel Prize for Visual Arts, the country's highest cultural award. The prize committee lauded his groundbreaking contributions, noting how he pushed the boundaries of traditional art and pioneered new visual languages in kinetic and Op Art.

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Agam was a groundbreaking artist who gave Israeli creation a unique and inspiring language. His artistic legacy will continue to illuminate and influence generations of creators in Israel and around the world. On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Sport, I extend condolences to his family, friends, and all art lovers in Israel.

One of his most recognizable public works in Israel was the kinetic Fire and Water Fountain in Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Square. Though it underwent restoration and modifications, the sculpture, with its vibrant colors, movement, water, and music, remained an iconic piece of Israeli public art.

Agam's artistic philosophy was captured in his widely referenced quote: “My aim is to show the visible as possibility in a state of perpetual becoming.” His funeral is scheduled for Monday at the Rehovot Cemetery, with his body lying in state at the Agam Museum in Rishon Lezion.

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My aim is to show the visible as possibility in a state of perpetual becoming.