Nahum Sternberg, born in 1946 in Bucharest, is a distinguished architect and artist whose career has spanned decades and continents. He completed his studies at the “Ion Mincu” Faculty of Architecture in the Romanian capital under the esteemed professor Horia Maicu. His professional journey as an architect began in Brașov, Romania, where he laid the foundation for a diverse career that would later flourish in Israel, following his emigration in 1974.
Since relocating to Israel, Nahum has dedicated himself to a wide range of architectural projects, including residential buildings, commercial spaces, educational institutions, and cultural venues. His portfolio reflects a deep commitment to the built environment, encompassing schools, kindergartens, student dormitories, pedagogical centers, libraries, sports halls, theaters, hotels, and medical clinics. Throughout his life, he has nurtured a passion for drawing, which began in his childhood. This fervor led him to create countless portraits of friends and classmates, a love for sketching that has persisted throughout the years.
Nahum’s artistic process is deeply rooted in traditional techniques. He primarily draws from models, favoring mediums such as charcoal and graphite. His dedication to honing his craft is evident in the way he continues to develop his sketches in his Tel Aviv studio. In some instances, he scans his drawings and enhances them digitally using Photoshop, often resulting in alternative series featuring varied textures and colors. This blend of traditional and contemporary methods speaks to his innovative approach to art.
Sternberg’s artistic journey is punctuated by numerous exhibitions, beginning with collective showcases at the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest between 1964 and 1970. He held his first solo exhibition at the Faculty of Constructions in Bucharest in 1969. His move to Israel marked a new chapter, with collective exhibitions starting in 1975, including a significant group show in Tel Aviv. Over the years, his work has been featured in various prestigious venues, showcasing both individual and collective exhibits across Israel and Romania.
In 2016, he held personal exhibitions at the Yagur Kibbutz Gallery near Haifa and the Nature Museum in Jerusalem, further solidifying his presence in the art world. Subsequent years saw his participation in collective exhibitions at notable galleries such as Naima House Art Gallery in Jerusalem and SPACE Gallery in Tel Aviv. The years 2019 and 2021 witnessed a series of significant exhibitions, including “FRESH IS BACK” at Orly Dvir Studio and the itinerant exhibitions “Contemporary Plastic Art from Romania” and “ZOOM IN, ZOOM OUT” at the SENAT Gallery in Bucharest.
The years 2022 and 2023 marked an impressive array of exhibitions, where Nahum’s work continued to gain recognition on both national and international platforms. He showcased his art at prominent events such as the “ION ANDREESCU” International Biennale of Contemporary Art and various exhibitions throughout Romania, including “AUTOPORTRET” at the National Museum of Romanian Literature and “SALOANELE BARAGANULUI” at the Museum of Lower Danube.
Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be another remarkable year for Nahum Sternberg, with exhibitions planned at prestigious venues such as the Ben Ami Art Gallery in Tel Aviv and the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest. His contributions to the field of architecture and the arts, coupled with his unwavering passion for drawing, continue to inspire and resonate within the artistic community. As Nahum navigates the intersection of architecture and art, he remains a vital figure, bridging cultures and disciplines through his creative endeavors.
