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The first time I
saw one of Zamy Steynovitz's serigraph, I thought his art was childish
and crude, even though I loved the colour harmonies.Viewing "Wedding in Jerusalem" daily, my opinion about Zamy genius changed and within a very short period I couldn't collect enough of his serigraphs.
His pieces are like sudoku puzzles; as you decode each symbol, the story within the piece develops.
Zamy dresses his art with universal symbols of peace, love, hope and romance.
Most of his symbols are straightforward and easy to interpret.
Zamy frequently used examples such as lovers and brides, the moon, flowers and fruit, sabbathcandles, musical instruments, churches, doves and angels.
However some symbols require more investigative effort as their meanings are more subtle or may have multiple meanings.
My initial dislike of a particular print very often disappeared once I discovered the story that was embedded within.
It is hard to categorize Zamy's style because I am not an art expert; however Chagall's influence as a colourist and symbolist is obvious.
For a beginner, a good introduction to his art is to buy a copy of "Beauty and Beau". This very affordable seriolithograph cost only a few dollars to buy as thousands of copies were given away by Parkwest Art Galleries to lure buyers to their Art Auction at Sea.
As collectors build their collection, they quickly consign this much maligned print to the attic as it has little monetary value, and because of its huge print run it is quite common.
However for me this small print packs quite a heavy emotional punch and evokes for me an image of love and romance. The Lovers and their guitar, Venice and gondolas, a bridge over a canal, a church with a steeple all allude to romance.
The new collector must always be aware that there are two categories of prints sold on Ebay; the decorative print and the collectible print.
For collectors building their collection, I would recommend that they start with any signed limited edition serigraphs that appeals to them.
What they should avoid buying unless it is selling for a song are serigraphs and offset lithographs produced after Zamy's death.
These pieces are signed in the plate and despite the vendor's spin, any imput from the artist is minimal.
The plate signed offset lithograph is basically a glorified poster.
Almost everything without a genuine hand-signed signature is decorative and is not really very collectible.
If you have to buy an offset lithograph, buy the hand-signed pieces that was produced in the 1980s (Jaffa, Three Women and Mother & Child).
Zamy produced a set of 7 genuine lithographs that was titled "Celebration of Life".
My favourite lithograph from this series is "Dreams".
It looks like a lithograph that Chagall would have produced at his artistic peak; however because the artist is Zamy it is very affordable.
When you are contemplating the purchase of a piece, make sure you ask the vendor a lot of questions.
Always ask the seller whether it is an offset or a genuine lithograph.
Is it hand or plate signed.
Is a certificate of authenticity supplied.
Be aware that an artist proof is always more desirable because it has the eye of the artist whereas those from the regular edition may only be given a quick inspection.
Be aware of the difference between "Embellished" and "Hand Embellished" as hand embellished pieces are worth more.
If a seller hides his bidder's identity, be wary as this practice encourages shill bidding and vendor dishonesty.
And finally a few words about the unethical bidder that doesn't bid fair; the sniper.
This miserable sneak will stalk you in the background for a week and then strike you down in the last 15 seconds of you concluding the sale.
If you really like a piece, keep an close eye on it.
Enter the highest bid that you are prepared to pay and submit it during the last 15 seconds even if you are topping the bid and Good Luck.
If you are unsure of the artistic merit of a particular piece or its' authenticity, then joining a collector's group is a good idea.
Guide created: 12/17/05 (updated 02/07/07)
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