HAMILTONS proudly presents Promised Lands, the first solo UK exhibition of photographs by Kobi Israel.  Born in Tel-Aviv to a traditional Sephardic Jewish family, Israel currently lives and works in London. 

The exhibition comprises thirteen large format, editioned photographs in three series, encouraging the viewer to join Israel in an exploration of their inner selves through the uncertain meanings of the ‘Promised Land’.  The first series represents the ‘collective tale’ capturing the artist’s impression of how the ancient Israelites felt when they reached Canaan after forty years in the desert.  America, the second series, symbolises the ‘family tale’ and reminisces about the journey Israel’s immigrant parents made to New York in search of a better life.  The last series, serene unpeopled scenes from Hampstead Heath, depict the ‘personal tale’.  The Heath is recognised as a cruising site for gay men which represents, to Israel, a place of promised pleasure and potential, but unrequited, love.

Israel’s autobiographal work blends the travel genre with documentary photography and a search for deeper personal meanings embedded in landscape.

A catalogue has been produced and will be available to purchase throughout the exhibition. PDF version is available online for Members [login|join].

Selected Biography:  Granted the Judges Choice Award at the Association of Photographers Open Exhibition.  Finalist in the annual Schweppes Photographic Portrait Prize, National Portrait Gallery, London.  2006, Goss Gallery, Dallas, USA (Solo).  2005, AOP Open Exhibition, London, UK (Group).  2004, International Photography Award, USA (Group).  International Open Image Award, Waterloo Gallery, London (Group).  2003, Schweppes Photographic Portrait Prize, National Portrait Gallery, London (Group).  2002, International Saloon of Contemporary Art, Portugal (Group).  2001, Galerie Art 7, France.

For further information: www.haniltonsgallery.com | art@hamiltonsgallery.com | Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 9493/4