Kobi Israel

Kobi Israel’s photographic book ‘Views’ has been something of a phenomenon – selling out within six months, it achieved a crossover success beyond the gay marketplace, and a much-demanded second printing has just reached stores. He has also had a selection of images shown at London fashion week, and his ‘1700’ portrait has been touring the country with the Schweppes Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition.

The book ‘Views’ follows the narrative of a young Israeli soldier’s voyage of self-discovery and sexual awareness, and draws on Kobi’s own experiences of growing up in Tel Aviv, and being conscripted into the army. ‘For Israeli soldiers, touching, hugging, and saying “Ani Ohev Otcha Achi” (“I love you my brother”) is a normal way of greeting,’ says Kobi, ‘but how does a gay soldier feel in this situation?’ These are the themes explored in his photography; rather than being a simple ‘soldiers in uniform’ fantasy, it’s about trapped emotions, internal beauty and vulnerability.

Kobi has recently moved to London, where he is working on his next project, ‘Intimate Strangers,’ and photographing aspects of London’s gay scene. Says Kobi; ‘I always look for the magic in things, even in day-to-day things and moments.’

Further examples of Kobi Israel’s work can be found on his website, www.kobi-israel.com, and he is showcasing his travel photography on www.gay-travel-photography.com The book ‘Views’ is available nationwide.