Argi Elie

Elie was born on 23 January 1948. In 1970, while jumping on a trampoline, he suffered an injury to his cervical vertebrae that left him paralysed in all four limbs. Six years after the accident, he began to paint with his mouth. Initially self-taught, Elie spent two years practising by copying images from art books before receiving guidance from professional artists.

In 1978, his work caught the attention of painter Gitit Hertel, who taught him for a year. He then attended an art school where he studied under Rafi Lavi until the school’s closure. Rafi continued giving him private lessons for another year at his home. In 1983, Elie moved with his wife to the countryside, where he resumed painting full-time. He later graduated from art school with honours and received a special scholarship recognising his dedication and progress.

Elie’s studies encompassed a wide range of techniques, from basic line drawing to advanced anatomical sketching. He works primarily with acrylics and oils, but also produces watercolours, pencil and nail etchings, and lithographs. His style shifts between surrealism and realism, reflecting both imagination and precision. Over the years, he has exhibited widely both in group and solo shows and now teaches painting to children and adults alike.