Shahar Sivan, born in 1977 in Jerusalem, is an influential Israeli visual artist known for his dynamic interplay of abstract figurativeness and an expressive style in which the figure itself takes a secondary role, allowing the artist’s own temperament and inner emotions to command the spotlight.

Sivan’s technique, deeply rooted in a drawing-based study of lines, gains greater emotional intensity in wood cutting, where the material demands a heightened physical force. Employing chainsaws and other tools with vigor, he reveals the raw essence of the wood, reducing it to its elemental form. The resulting sculptures are enigmatic, haunting figures, devoid of specific identities yet pulsating with a profound emotional intensity, inviting viewers to connect on a visceral level.

Sivan consistently garners critical acclaim for his exhibitions, demonstrating his ability to deeply connect with audiences from all around the world. Among his noteworthy exhibitions are Dining with Others, a compelling duo showcase at the Haifa Museum of Art; Morning Demons at the Beit Hagefen Art Gallery in Haifa; Review #5 held at the HQRN Art Cluster in Haifa; and Lifeboat exhibited at the Raw Art Gallery in Tel Aviv.

Sivan holds a BFA degree from Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. He pursued a Master Class at the Jerusalem Studio School, instructed by Israel Hershberg. Throughout his formative years, he was mentored by renowned artists such as Lucian Freud, Leonid Blacklev, and Sabina Mandel.

In addition to his career as an artist, Sivan has co-founded and directed several initiatives and art programs within his community, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the Haifa art scene.