Menashe Kadishman (1932–2015) was a prominent Israeli painter and sculptor, born in Tel Aviv, who became one of the most recognized and celebrated figures in Israeli art. In his youth, he worked as a shepherd on a kibbutz—a formative experience that left a lasting mark on his artistic vision and led to the sheep motif becoming his most iconic symbol. From the 1970s onward, Kadishman increasingly dedicated himself to painting, while continuing his sculptural practice, combining minimalist influences with rich symbolic depth.
He exhibited widely in Israel and abroad, including a landmark presentation at the 1978 Venice Biennale, where his installation of a flock of painted sheep gained international attention. His works often explored themes of nature, sacrifice, and collective memory. In the 1990s, Kadishman also created powerful installations for the Jewish Museum in Berlin, reflecting on the Holocaust and the victims of war and violence.
Throughout his career, Kadishman received numerous awards in Israel and worldwide. In 1995, he was honored with the prestigious Israel Prize for sculpture. His public sculptures stand in major cultural landmarks, including the forecourts of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv University. Today, his paintings and lithographs are sold in significant numbers and are held in private and public collections across the globe, securing his place as one of Israel’s most influential and enduring artists.
