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Gideon Gechtman, an Israeli artist and sculptor, was born in 1942 in Alexandria, Egypt. His art is most noted for holding a dialogue with death, often in relation with his own biography. In 1945 his family immigrated to the Land of Israel.
After returning from London, he created minimalistic art that was typical for that period.
In 1973 Gechtman had his first solo exhibition in the Yodfat Gallery in Tel Aviv. The exhibition, named "Exposure", signified Gechtman's increasing interest in the connection between art and the biographic dimension.
Obituary notices were a central theme in the work of Gechtman from these years.
From 1976 to 1975 he studied art history and philosophy at the Tel Aviv University. During that period began to build the "Mausoleum", which functioned as a work of art honoring the artist and his family as well as a site intended to store the art. In the mid- nineties Gechtman created a few works that dealt with dismantling and replicating objects.
In 1998 Gechtman's son Yotam, died. In 1999-2002 Gechtman exhibited an installation called "Yotam" which was shown in three museums across the country.
Alongside his artwork, Gechtman managed an architectural firm in Rishon Lezion and lectured in Bezalel, Oranim and more.
On November 27, 2008 Gideon Gechtman died of heart failure. That day, the "Haaretz" newspaper published an obituary notice which displayed only "Gideon Gechtman" in white letters on a black background.

Education

1961-62 Avni Institute of Art & Design, Tel Aviv
1962-63 Ealing School of Art, London, England
1968-70 Hammersmith College of Art, London, England
1975-76 Tel Aviv University, philosophy and art history.
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Teaching

1972-75 Bezalel Academy of Art & Design, Jerusalem
1971-1992 Art Teachers College, Beit Berl, Ramat Hasharon .
Kalisher Art Academy, Tel Aviv. .
2002-03, Art Teacher's College, Beit Berl College, Ramat Hasharon .
Musrara Institute of Art, Photography, Jerusalem
2003-06, Senior Lecturer in theArt Teacher's College, Beit Berl, Ramat Hasharon

Awards and Prizes

1968 Second Prize in International Competition for Ceramics, Faenza, Italy
1977 Prize in International Competition for Sculpture in Terra Cotta, Florence, Italy. His murals can be found in public and private buildings in Israel and abroad. He lives in Kibbutz Ruhama.