Michael Argov

Michael Argov, born as Michael Zinger in 1920 in Vienna, came from a family of Zionist merchants who relocated to Berlin in 1929. In 1933, the family immigrated to Palestine and settled in Haifa. As his interest in art grew, Argov studied at Avni Studio, the major art center in Tel Aviv, in 1942. It was here that he met Yehezkel Streichman, who would significantly influence Argov’s work. In 1945, Argov left Avni Studio and moved to the Streichman art studio, where he assisted with administration and dedicated most of his time to painting.

In 1947, Argov presented his first one-man show, which received enthusiastic reviews, and one of his works was acquired by the Tel Aviv Museum. Later that year, he traveled to Paris to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, specializing in fresco painting. The Israeli War of Independence in 1948 drew him back to serve as an intelligence officer in the Navy. Upon his release from military service in September, he returned to Paris to complete his studies. While in Paris, he became deeply involved with the artistic scene and held a one-man exhibition in 1951 that garnered positive reviews.

In 1952, Argov received the first prize for paintings from Deauville in the composition category. The following year, he presented his second one-man show, which was also highly praised. In that same year, he participated in an exhibition of Israeli artists in Paris and won the second prize. By 1955, he had won the Othon Friesz Prize. Thereafter, Argov participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, spending most of his time between Paris and Israel.

From 1977 onward, Argov served as chairman of the national committee of the Artists Association in Tel Aviv. Within this role, he endeavored to enhance the public status of the association. Michael Argov passed away in Tel Aviv in 1982 following a heart operation.