Art is a universal language that we can all understand and appreciate. It evokes feelings that are often hard to put into words, allowing us to express them visually instead. Whether it’s through bright colors or passionate brush strokes, it’s easy to see why someone would choose to spend their life creating art that brings joy and inspiration to others.
Samuel Hagai, a well-known Israeli artist, has done just that. Entirely self-taught, he produces realistic art that seems to bring dreams to life, whether on canvas or city walls. An expert in graffiti, hyper-realist, and surrealist painting, his work can be seen in places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, London, and across Israel. Born in Israel in 1982, Samuel began painting with oils at just 12 years old and later immersed himself in the street art scene. His enthusiasm turned into a career, earning him recognition all over the world.
In 2017, Samuel was asked by Macy’s to create a mural for their Christmas display. Two years later, he painted four murals at the US Air Force Base in New Jersey and had an independent exhibition in New York’s West Village. Since then, his art has been in high demand, showing up in public spaces, galleries, exhibitions, museums, military bases, corporate offices, and universities around the globe. Samuel sees art as more than just decorative; it’s a way to pour his heart and soul into his work and bring joy to others by making their dreams visible.
Samuel loves nothing more than losing himself in creating a piece, whether it’s at his canvas or on a wall, and seeing the reactions of those who view his work. His intense passion, combined with persistence, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, has been key to his success, despite his self-taught background. Even when he faced challenges and financial struggles, he never stopped painting, often working on projects without profit just to keep pursuing his passion.
In his early days, he shared his work with family, friends, and neighbors, which eventually led to recognition from art collectors and galleries, first in Israel and then internationally. Samuel advises aspiring artists to immerse themselves in every project and pay close attention to details, as this can turn a simple piece into something truly unforgettable.