Habib Gerez was born in 1926 in Ortaköy, Istanbul (1926-2022). He has had 142 personal exhibits of his works, 33 of them being overseas. He has won 63 awards from contests he has entered in the painting and poetry branches.
Artist, poet and author for over 66 years. He has written more than 600 articles and 13 books of poetry, notably, “Dialogue with the wind” and “Art: the taste of life“. Some of his poems have been translated and published in Italian and French. He has authored close to 50 books in print.
Gerez paintings have been featured in hundreds of exhibitions in Turkey and abroad and many of his art pieces are being exhibited in museums both in Turkey and abroad. His works are on display at the Arsonval Museum and Troyes Museum of Fine Arts in France, the Herstal Museum in Belgium, the Judah Magnes Museum in the U.S., Jewish Art and Ben-Ari museums in Israel, and at Selçuk Yaşar Museum and the Edirne Museum of Modern Art in Turkey.
Possessing the distinction of being an ‘Academic’, he is an honorary member of six academies overseas and the Turkish representative of European Academy, affiliated with The European Council.
The artist made his mark in 1955 with his book “Vita da Vivere” which won the Academy of Europe prize in Italy.
As an academician, he was honoured with the Academy of Europe’s 1998 Grand prize for his 66 years career, which is awarded to just one artist each year, he now has the distinction of acting as Turkey’s representative in the organisation.
The artist made his mark in 1955 with his book “Vita da Vivere” which won the Academy of Europe prize in Italy.
As an academician, he was honoured with the Academy of Europe’s 1998 Grand prize for his 66 years career, which is awarded to just one artist each year, he now has the distinction of acting as Turkey’s representative in the organisation.
Habib Gerez is the most well-known name for the Sephardic art and culture. He is considered one of the pioneers in Sephardic history and culture. Art is the core of life for him.
On behalf of the Sephardic artists we are very proud of having Gerez as the honorary artist in this multi-cultural exhibition.
Gerez celebrates life, through the arts.