Draft:Ehud Grably

Ehud Grably
Born	אהוד גרבלי (Ehud Grably) October 1961 Haifa, Isreal
Died	Late 1994 Haifa, Israel
Other names	אהוד גרבלי
Occupation(s)	Artist, Radio Presenter & Art Teacher
Years active	1980 - 1993
Known for	Painting, drawing, sketching, etching and photography
Notable work	"I'm A Very Famous Painter", "Inferno","White Rabbit"
Website	https://grably.global/

Ehud Grably (1961-1994) was an Israeli artist renowned across Israel for his expressionistic and gestural style, which skillfully blended elements from abstract expressionism, neo-expressionism, and the work of early twentieth-century expressionist and surrealist painters. Grably's art, characterized by its complex emotional depth and existential themes, is difficult to categorize, prompting critics to analyze his works through the philosophical lenses of ontological abstraction, existential despair as explored by Kierkegaard, the absurdity of existence as articulated by Camus, and the dualities of human nature as contemplated by Goethe. These influences imbue his pieces with a profound sense of introspection and the perpetual search for meaning, making them resonate with viewers on a deeply psychological and philosophical level.

Grably was an enigmatic figure from an early age, harboring a deep and consuming obsession with art that was intricately intertwined with his intense preoccupations with life, death, gender, sex, and religion. These themes permeated his work, manifesting in ways that were designed to disturb, provoke, and elicit powerful emotional responses from viewers. His art, often characterized by its unsettling and sublime qualities, pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms, compelling the audience to confront their own fears and desires. Whether through the medium of photography, etching, painting, or sketches, Grably possessed an innate ability to emotionally grip his audience, drawing them into the raw, existential struggles that lay at the core of his subject matter. His work was not just a visual experience but an emotional and psychological journey, leaving a lasting impact on all who encountered it.

Grably received significant local acclaim for his works, which led to numerous achievements, including scholarships, awards, and the opportunity to exhibit his art both locally and internationally. His talent garnered minor international recognition, particularly during his time in France and Germany, where he hosted multiple exhibitions. One of the most notable was at the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism in Paris, France. This exhibition was largely made possible through the support of Moshe Ben Shaul, who served as a Cultural Attaché at the Israeli embassy in Paris at the time. Impressed by Grably’s artistic vision through pieces such as 'Inferno,' inspired by Dante's Inferno, Moshe Ben Shaul played a crucial role in bringing the exhibition to fruition, helping to introduce Grably’s distinctive vision to a broader European audience.

Biography

I am a very famous artist by Ehud Grably

Early life

Born in Haifa, Israel, Ehud Grably grew up in an artistic family, where creativity was a fundamental part of his upbringing. At the age of nine, Grably began painting alongside his father during family vacations to the Sea of Galilee, an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for art. His early exposure to artistic expression was nurtured within this supportive environment, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. In 1977, Grably began his formal education at the Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design & Education in Haifa, where he honed his skills and started to establish his unique artistic voice. While still a student, Grably began to attract attention within the Israeli art scene through his first two exhibitions. His debut solo exhibition took place in 1980 at the Center for French Culture in Haifa, followed by a second exhibition in 1981 at the New Gallery of the Neri Bloomfield Academy. These early showcases marked the beginning of Grably’s rise to prominence, demonstrating his potential and earning him recognition as a promising young artist.

Inferno painted by Ehud Grably

These early exhibitions were described as 'small yet grand' by critics, reflecting the profound impact Grably's work had despite the modest scale of the shows. Israeli journalist Margalit Guttman praised his artistic vision, noting that '[Grably is] creating a composition of lyrical music, in part dressy, in part tormented,' capturing the emotional complexity and depth that characterized his work. Unbeknownst to Grably, Moshe Ben Shaul, the Cultural Attaché at the Israeli embassy in Paris, attended one of these exhibits and was so impressed that he published an article highly praising the young artist. In his review, Ben Shaul wrote, '[Grably is] one of the most talented young men I have encountered lately. Serious on the one hand (in his speech), he claimed to me he feels like a man of 50. I said to Ehud with the calm of a grown man, that his paintings have madness in them, his inner world is rich, and his talent is abundant, nearly bursting.' This glowing endorsement marked the beginning of a new chapter in Grably's career, as his ability to impress and stun art critics began to propel his works into wider recognition, setting the stage for his subsequent successes.

Upon completing his studies in 1981, Grably was honored with The Haifa City Award for Young Artists, a prestigious recognition that further encouraged him to pursue his passion for art with renewed dedication. This accolade served as a catalyst for his decision to continue honing his skills and deepening his artistic practice. Eager to refine his craft, Grably enrolled at Israel's Painters and Sculptors Association in Tel Aviv, where he majored in engraving and lithography. This period of advanced study allowed him to sharpen his techniques in these traditional mediums, adding greater depth and precision to his already distinctive style. The knowledge and experience he gained during this time were instrumental in shaping the unique visual language that would come to define his later works.

International Exploration and Artistic Growth

White Rabbit, painted by Ehud Grably

Shortly after receiving the prestigious scholarship on behalf of the Haifa-Bremen Cultural Fund, Grably embarked on a transformative journey to Bremen, Germany. This opportunity allowed him to immerse himself in the vibrant art scene of Bremen, where he refined his techniques and absorbed diverse artistic influences. By 1988, Grably had achieved a significant milestone by becoming an official member of the Israeli Painters and Sculptors Association. This new affiliation opened doors for him to live and work at the International Artists Colony in Paris, France. During his time in Paris, he expanded his artistic horizons and took on the role of editor and presenter for a weekly show on the local radio station, Radio Com, where he hosted the program in Hebrew. This experience ignited a newfound passion for broadcasting, which he pursued further upon returning to Tel Aviv in late 1989. At Kan Radio, he spent a year honing his skills in radio production and presentation before setting off on another European adventure.

This time, Grably settled in Düsseldorf, Germany, through the Haifa-Düsseldorf Artist Exchange Program. This program provided him with an enriching environment to continue his artistic exploration and creation. During his residency, he deepened his engagement with the art community and inaugurated a notable installation at the Düsseldorf Artothek. Grably’s time in Düsseldorf was marked by a period of significant artistic growth and innovation, contributing to his evolving body of work and cementing his reputation as a distinguished artist.

His final years

Mikhail Gorbachev, Portrait of Evolution painted by Ehud Grably

In 1991, Grably returned to Tel Aviv, Israel, where he was met with a startling diagnosis of lymphoma. Despite the severity of his condition, Grably remained confident that he would overcome the illness. Sadly, in 1994, he succumbed to it, passing away at the age of only 32. In his final years, Grably’s optimism remained strong, as he took up work at the local radio station once more, but in time the illness took a toll on his health, particularly affecting his voice. This forced him to leave his beloved job at the radio station and began to create more for what was to be his biggest exhibition to date. Despite this setback, Grably continued to find ways to contribute and inspire others; he took up a position as an art teacher at the 'Biluim' School in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, for a brief period. His passion for art was undiminished, and he continued to create prolifically, even managing to participate in four exhibitions in 1992, in close collaboration with the Sadna 24 Gallery in Haifa. Among his most notable works from this period was 'Mikhail Gorbachev, Portrait of Evolution,' a piece that featured the English words 'We are very sorry to tell you,' despite Grably’s preference for reading and writing in Hebrew. This artwork also served as a poignant political statement on Gorbachev’s decline as a leader, reflecting Grably’s deep empathy. In an interview about the piece, he expressed that he felt only sympathy for Gorbachev, both as a fallen leader and as a fellow human being.

Remnants of Life painted by Ehud Grably

Grably’s health deteriorated rapidly, and he was soon hospitalized, forcing him to abandon his plans to complete a substantial body of work for what was intended to be his largest exhibition. Tragically, Grably passed away in 1994, just a month before the exhibition was scheduled to open. This exhibition, which became known as the 'Unfinished' exhibition at the G.M Art Gallery in Haifa, transformed into a poignant tribute to his life and career. The exhibition featured a comprehensive collection of Grably’s works, meticulously curated by his sister, Lily Raz, who sought to immortalize his legacy. She later compiled a catalog titled Art of Painting - Ehud Grably, Artist Painter 1961-1994 (אמנות ציור - אהוד גרבלי צייר אמן 1961-1994) , ensuring that his contributions to the art world would not be forgotten.

Ehud Grably Scream

During the period leading up to his final exhibitions, some critics speculated that Grably had a premonition of his impending death, citing the themes of death, existentialism, and fear that permeated many of his works. However, this interpretation was far from the truth. As his sister explained, Grably had always been deeply fascinated by the concept of death, a preoccupation that had been evident in his earlier works as well. This lifelong exploration of mortality was not a reflection of his immediate circumstances but rather a central theme in his artistic journey, which he pursued with the same intensity and passion throughout his career.

Modern Day

As of now, Grably's oeuvre has been meticulously assembled, encompassing over 250 works that include paintings, sketches, and etchings created throughout his career. This extensive collection captures the breadth of his artistic expression and showcases his evolution as an artist. Grably Global is dedicated to preserving and extending his legacy by transforming these remarkable works into a dynamic lifestyle brand. Their mission is to make Grably's art accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences through a diverse range of products. These include high-quality reprints of his original pieces, as well as fashion and lifestyle items that reflect the essence of his artistic vision. By doing so, Grably Global aims to celebrate and perpetuate Grably's influence in both the art world and everyday life.

Philosophical Influences

Ehud Grably's art is deeply influenced by the philosophies of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Nietzsche, Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger and Albert Camus. This results in an overwhelming sense of existentialism while contrasting this with the essence of humanity and absurdity found within it, Grably is able to create works of art that are both artistically appealing while challenging the viewer with these themes portrayed in great depth throughout his collection.

Solitary Gaze painted by Ehud Grably

Goethe's Influence

The Dualities in Human Nature, Grably’s art reflects Goethe’s exploration of the dualities within human nature, such as the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and rationality versus emotion. For instance, in Grably’s painting “The Solitary Gaze,” the indistinct features and contemplative stance of the figure suggest an internal struggle, mirroring Goethe’s themes of conflict and harmony within the self. The Sublime and Nature: Grably’s use of light, shadow, and the ethereal quality of his figures resonate with Goethe’s romantic ideal of the sublime in nature. This suggests a transcendence of the ordinary and a quest for higher understanding, akin to Goethe’s philosophical approach.

Nietzsche's Influence

The sunlight on his face by Ehud Grably

Übermensch and Self-Realization, Nietzsche’s concept of the “Übermensch,” or Overman, who creates their own values in a purposeless world, is evident in Grably’s solitary figures. These figures, often portrayed in introspective and contemplative states, represent a Nietzschean journey of self-overcoming and the creation of personal meaning. Existential Angst and the Void: Grably’s works frequently explore themes of isolation, existential dread, and the search for meaning, which echo Nietzsche’s exploration of existential angst and the confrontation with the void. The stark contrasts and solitary figures in Grably’s paintings embody this Nietzschean struggle against nihilism. Eternal Recurrence: Nietzsche’s idea of eternal recurrence, the belief that life repeats itself endlessly, is reflected in the recurring symbols and motifs in Grably’s art, such as the frequent appearance of ravens and the cyclical nature of human struggle.

In Perpetual Pain by Ehud Grably

Søren Kierkegaard

Existential Despair and Anxiety, Grably’s art reflects Kierkegaard's exploration of existential despair, particularly through his depiction of isolated figures and somber themes. The pervasive sense of angst and inner turmoil in his paintings resonates with Kierkegaard’s ideas about the “Sickness unto Death” and the struggle with existential despair. Leap of Faith, Grably’s works often portray moments of introspection and the search for meaning, embodying Kierkegaard’s concept of the “Leap of Faith.” The solitary figures in his paintings appear to be on the brink of such a leap, grappling with existential uncertainties and the need for personal faith and commitment.

Jean-Paul Sartre

Freedom and Responsibility, Sartre’s existentialism, particularly the ideas of freedom and responsibility, is evident in Grably's art. His solitary figures often grapple with their own existence, reflecting the burden of freedom and the responsibility to create meaning in a purposeless world. Authenticity vs. Bad Faith, Grably’s exploration of the self highlights the tension between authentic existence and self-deception, echoing Sartre’s themes of authenticity versus bad faith.

Martin Heidegger

Coming Out Ehud Grably painted by Ehud Grably

Being-Toward-Death Grably’s frequent engagement with themes of death and mortality reflects Heidegger’s concept of “Being-Toward-Death.” His art portrays the awareness of finitude and its impact on human existence, encouraging viewers to confront their mortality and the meaning of their lives. Temporal Existence, Heidegger’s exploration of time and being is also present in Grably’s works, with his figures often caught in moments of existential reflection.

Albert Camus

Absurdity of Life, Camus’s philosophy of the absurd is vividly present in Grably’s art, particularly the tension between the search for meaning and the indifferent universe. This is reflected in the disjointed and surreal elements of his compositions. Rebellion Against the Absurd, Despite the pervasive sense of despair, Grably’s works often include a subtle defiance, a refusal to succumb to nihilism, which aligns with Camus’s notion of rebelling against the absurdity of existence.

References

"Ehud Grably (1961 – 1994)". Artworks.co.il. Retrieved 31 July 2024.

Raz, Lili. Ehud Grably Artist Painter 1994 1961. Isreal. //For editors, I can supply a pdf copy of the book if requested