Yaakov Chayat

Biography

Yaakov Chayat (August 6, 1939 – November 13, 2018) was an Israeli painter, a member of the Tel Aviv Association of Painters and Sculptors, and a contributor to the recognition and development of art in Israel. In 1964, Jacob married the painter, sculptor, Shushi Hait, nee Gantz-Goldman (1947-2011). The couple has two daughters, Ricky and Michal, four grandsons and a granddaughter. In the last years of his life, he lived and created in his studio in the city of Holon.

Chayat was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and immigrated to Israel in 1951. His parents were sent to the Ashkelon transit camp, and he was sent to the Dafna kibbutz as part of the Youth Aliyah. He testified that this period was the most beautiful of his life and it helped him to get to know and love Israel. His surroundings, close to the Sea of Galilee, inspired him to incorporate the landscapes of Galilee, the Sea of Galilee, the birds, and the figures he encountered in his works.

He served in the Air Force and after his service, settled in central Israel.

Visits to Jerusalem periodically etched in him the historical and collective memory associated with the city’s importance, and therefore many of his works, over the years, refer to the city and its holy sites. Khayat also frequently incorporated biblical figures into his works that fascinated him. On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, he passed away at the age of 79.

Education

Khayat studied art and graphics at technological institutes in Tel Aviv and worked as a graphic designer and illustrator in a printing house from the 1960s to the 1980s, alongside his painting career. His graphic works were handmade.

Artistic Style

Khayat often combined various painting styles and techniques and avoided defining an exclusive field and style. In his artistic view, the creator should go with the times and adapt and evolve continuously. Consequently, his many exhibitions varied from one to another, showcasing different aspects and interests of the artist.

In his works, he used a variety of materials including acrylic, oil, watercolor, and panda colors.

Khayat signed all his works and, starting from 2009, began to emboss a unique symbol on the back of the artwork.