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Nachum Gutman, an Israeli painter, was born in Teleneşti, Bessarabia, (a part of the Russian Empire). In 1905 the family moved to the Land of Israel, and settled in Tel Aviv.
Gutman immortalized the young city in drawings and writings. He was later designed the symbol of the city.
Gutman studied art at the Bezalel Academy with Abel Pann and Ze'ev Raban. From 1920-1926 he studied art in Vienna, Berlin and Paris. In 1923 he illustrated the works of his father and thus began a long career as a children's book illustration.
Upon returning to Israel he participated in exhibitions of Israeli artists in the Tower of David. He belonged, along with Reuven Rubin and Ziona Tager to the "Land of Israel Style", which focused on landscapes and images of Israel, and emphasized the bright colors and light of the country. The artists in the group believed that the Arabs in Israel closely resemble people from biblical time, and frequently painted Arab people and villages.
Nachum Gutman illustrated books by Chaim Nachman Bialik, and is considered a pioneer in children's books illustration in Israel. He illustrated hundreds of books, including his own. His style is dramatic, monumental, sculptural and primitive; and shows the influence of ancient Assyrian sculpture as well as Persian miniature art.
In 1931 Gutman co-founded the children's journal "Davar LaYeladim" and remained on the staff for 32 years. He had a regular spot in the journal with illustrated stories.
in 1934 the Tel Aviv municipality sent him to South Africa to paint the portrait of Jan Smuts. During the War of Independence he accompanied the fighters as a military illustrator and his drawings were published in "The Negev Animals".
Gutman also designed scenery for theater. In 1966 he created a large-scale mosaic depicting scenes from Tel Aviv. In 1998 The Gutman Museum of Art opened in Neve Tzedek in Tel Aviv.
Gutman died in Tel Aviv on November 28, 1980.

Education

1908 Herzlia Gymnasium, Tel Aviv
1912 Art, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem
1920-26 Art, Vienna, Berlin and Paris

Awards and Prizes

1980 Mexico Biennale

Environmental Sculptures

1961 A mosaic wall in the house of the Chief Rabbinate, Tel Aviv