Tech Mogul Israel Makov Shares Passion for Israeli Art Collection
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israeli businessman and philanthropist Israel Makov, former CEO of Teva, has amassed a collection of 400 Israeli artworks, driven by personal passion rather than financial gain. The eclectic collection spans classic to contemporary artists and is supported by his significant patronage of emerging Israeli talent through prizes and exhibitions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel Makov, former Teva CEO, amassed 400 Israeli artworks.
- Collection reflects personal passion, not financial investment.
- Features classic and contemporary Israeli artists.
- Inspired by late wife, Nira, Makov continues collecting.
- Supports emerging artists through prizes and exhibitions.
Israel Makov, a prominent Israeli philanthropist and former CEO of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, has revealed the extent of his extensive art collection, comprising approximately 400 works of Israeli art. Makov, 87, who previously founded Israel's first biotech company, Interpharm, and led Teva from 2002 to 2007, now chairs Quantalix Neuroscience and Biolight Life Sciences. He describes his collection not as a financial investment but as a reflection of what moves him personally, emphasizing that he has never sold a single piece.
The collection, housed in Ramat Gan, is eclectic, featuring both classic Israeli artists like Ludwig Blum and abstract masters such as Arie Aroch and Yosef Zaritsky, alongside contemporary figures like Zoya Cherkassky and Chen Sis. Makov attributes his initial foray into art collecting to his late wife, Nira, who passed away in 2006. Their early purchases included works by artist Moshe Kagen during a honeymoon in the 1960s. After her retirement, Nira opened a gallery, filling their home with art, and continued her passion for museums and galleries even when ill.
Makov admits he is not an art expert but relies on his intuition and advice from curators like Shulamit Nuss, who manages his collection. He is drawn to works that evoke emotion, citing artists like Lillian Klapisch and Lea Nikel. His focus remains on Israeli artists, and he actively seeks out emerging talents to support, even commissioning works from artists like Zoya Cherkassky.
While the collection doesn't systematically cover the history of Israeli art, it highlights Makov's personal affinities, with a strong representation of "New Horizons" movement artists and contemporary photography and video. He also acquired conceptual artist Micha Lourie's entire body of work on intelligence and technology after seeing an exhibition at the Weizmann Institute, where he is active.
Beyond his personal collection, Makov is a significant patron of the arts. He funds the Nira Makov Prize at the Ashdod Museum of Art, enabling artists to have solo exhibitions, and sponsors a prize at the "Fresh Paint" art fair for emerging artists, providing a grant and a solo exhibition. He believes these initiatives are crucial for supporting young talent and making a tangible difference in their careers.