Israeli Sculptors Craft Iconic Statues of American Sports Legends

Israeli artists Omri and Julie Rotblat-Amrani have gained renown in the United States for their monumental bronze sculptures of legendary American athletes. Their studio, Rotblat-Amrani in Illinois, employs a team of about 20 sculptors specializing in large-scale works. The Los Angeles Lakers have embraced the couple as their in-house sculptors, commissioning new pieces to honor deserving individuals. Among their notable works are statues of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar capturing his famous "skyhook" shot, Michael Jordan in mid-air with the ball, Shaquille O'Neal after a powerful dunk, and a poignant depiction of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi on a bench.

Omri Amrani, born in Kibbutz Ashdot Yaacov, comes from an artistic family. His father was a sculptor and painter, and his mother a fashion designer. After military service, Omri pursued art, eventually studying sculpture in Pietrasanta, Italy, in 1985, where he met Julie. The town, known for its marble artistry and Michelangelo's past residency, provided intensive training. After their studies, Julie moved to Israel with Omri, where they had a son, Itamar. However, the kibbutz's work allocation system proved restrictive, prompting the couple to move to Chicago in 1989.

In Chicago, Omri worked as a handyman and art teacher before they opened their studio in 1992. One of their first major commissions was a towering statue of Michael Jordan for the United Center. The studio has since created sculptures for numerous other figures, including Johnny Cash, Jackie Chan, David Beckham, and Apollo 13 commander James Lovell. The Amranis also train other artists to assist with their extensive workload, handling 10-20 projects annually.

Their son, Itamar, now 39, who holds a master's degree in architecture from London, manages the studio and participates in the sculpting process, having grown up immersed in the craft. The couple's professional partnership has strengthened their bond, with Omri noting they sometimes divide tasks, such as Julie and Itamar working on the Kings' wall while he handled engineering aspects. Each project involves extensive photo research, obtaining sports team approval, and can take up to a year to complete, followed by careful transportation across the country.

Julie has also sculpted female basketball players Sue Bird and A'ja Wilson, with Wilson's statue at the University of South Carolina campus holding particular significance, symbolizing progress for African Americans. The Amranis estimate they have created around 300 sculptures and monuments displayed on five continents, viewing their work as historical documentation that will serve as a testament to human society and artistic achievements.