Issachar Ber Ryback

Painter, graphic artist. Born in Elizavetograd (now Kirovograd) as Zakhar Rybak (1897). Studied under F. Kazachinsky at workers’ arts classes in Elizavetgrad (1907) and at the Kiev School of Art (from 1911). Carried out surveys of Ukrainian synagogues (1916) and designed sets for the Kiev Jewish Theatre (1917–19), collaborating with the Jewish Kulturliga and decorating the city for revolutionary celebrations. Lived in Moscow (1919–21), painting posters and creating a series of pictures on the theme of Jewish pogroms. Lived in Berlin (1921–24). Painted landscapes, portraits and genre scenes in the Expressionist style, influenced by Marc Chagall and Chaïm Soutine. Created theatrical designs in the style of Alexandra Exter and a number of graphic series, including Pogrom, Jewish Types of the Ukraine and Small Town. Member of the Novembergruppe (1923–29). Returned to the Soviet Union (1924), where he worked for Jewish theatres and magazines and created the graphic cycle On the Jewish Fields of the Ukraine (1924–26). Emigrated to Paris (1926), where he painted landscapes, portraits and decorative panels. Died in Paris (1935). Contributed to exhibitions (from 1910s). Contributed to the Berlin Sezession (from 1922), Salon d’Automne (1927, 1934), Salon des Tuileries (1929, 1930, 1932), Salon des Indépendants (1930, 1935), Contemporary French Art in Moscow (1928) and one-man shows in Berlin (1921), Paris (1928, 1930, 1933, 1935), London (1935) and Cambridge (1935).