Harry Guttman

Guttman became a member of the Romanian Association of Painters at the age of twenty-eight. Many of his paintings and lithographs were purchased and displayed at official exhibitions by the Romanian Government. During this period, Guttman was working as an illustrator, doing work for book covers and film posters. His first solo exhibition was shown at the Magheru Gallery in Bucharest in 1963. He traveled to Moscow and Leningrad in 1964 for additional studies. In 1966, he won third place at the International Film Poster Competition in Moscow for the poster of the German film "Goya." Over the next few years, Guttman participated in group exhibitions throughout Europe. He then traveled to Budapest and Prague for a year of studies in 1968, followed by a trip to Poland in 1969 for additional studies. With the relaxation of the “iron curtain” in Europe, Guttman was able to immigrate to Israel in 1974. Guttman's works have been described by critics as having a “heavenly cleanliness and fineness, reminding us of classical iconography.” The three most prominent subjects of his works are women, dancers, and buildings. His women represent life and tenderness, and his dancers and buildings, both commonly floating, serve to remind the viewer of the security of freedom, life and love. For many years, he was extremely active in organizing solo exhibitions throughout Europe, Israel, and North America.