In 1973, Motty was enlisted into the army. Even then he already knew that upon his discharge he would make painting a career. As planned, when he left the army Motty turned to his art, renting a small room on the premises of the Bustan Arts School in Netanya. It was not long before the principal noticed his potential and invited him to participate in classes. He was introduced to a variety of materials and techniques. In this environment his skills developed quickly. Motty lived and breathed art.

In 1978 Motty had his first exhibition. His works were painted in a naturalistic style, expressing his admiration for the Renaissance artists and the Dutch school. Motty's work was received with great excitement and generated a lot of interest. He transformed ordinary landscape and still life into a new fantastic reality, giving his paintings deep meaning.

The 1982 Lebanese war was a brutal turning point in the life of the artist. During his service in Lebanon, Motty's unit came under attack by 'friendly fire'. There were heavy casualties due to this tragic error. This traumatic event changed his outlook on life significantly. Motty struggled for answers and turned to his art to try to make sense of things. "In the wake of the war I became a real artist."

Since Motty's return home, he has explored three major themes in his paintings: man and nature, myth (the hero myth) and social issues. The artist creates vivid landscapes, describing the beauty and purity of nature, contrasted by the horror and chaos of war. Death and destruction set upon a perfect pastoral scene (or the ruminants there of). "Nature is stable, quiet and eternal even when faced with man's insanity and compulsion to destroy. The cosmos will still be here even after we are gone."

Motty grew up in a home with strong Zionist ideals. Stories of heroes carved out his personal identity and compelled him to want to fight. "I wanted to run out in front of the bullets and give my life for my country." Standing in the midst of chaos and death, the horrors of war taught Motty the true meaning of life. His paintings depict emotional experiences from the battlefield, exploring the man behind the uniform.

Motty creates sculpture installations on specific sites, using his art as a tool to protest social injustices and generate public awareness. The artist has even constructed a genuine art opening on the front line of the Lebanon border, complete with wine and cheese for his guests, passing soldiers on patrol. The artist paints for his viewers a fantasy world, filled with haunting ../images of deep emotional experiences. His surrealistic scenes confront the viewer, engage them and compel them to feel.

The short history of the State of Israel has vastly influenced the artist and his work.

Indeed, Motty's painting documents important aspects of this history. His work has been on exhibition in various galleries and cultural institutions in Israel and abroad, including the residence of the Israeli president and the Knesset (Israeli parliament). Motty's past projects include stage / set design, reconstruction / restoration of "Beit - Rishonim" (House of the Founders) and has worked as a graphic designer. Motty provides classes in his studio for drawing and painting. He places an emphasis on skill development and personal expression. He also teaches art to discharged soldiers that suffer from P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), encouraging them to use art as part of the healing process.

Motty's work is on permanent display both in Paris and at his studio in the heart of Tel - Aviv, where he is busy creating and holding classes. Today Motty is considered as one of the most appreciated protest and social artists in Israel.

e-mail: mordg@013.net
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