Gideon Shani was borne in Israel. He has a BA in Economics from Bar-Ilan University and a Master's degree in Social Sciences and Mathematics from the University of Haifa. He graduated from the Command and Staff College of the IDF, received a Masters degree from the National Security College with high distinction, and graduated from the Center for Visual Arts at the Kaye Academic College of Education.

Served for twenty-two years in the IDF and retired after reaching the rank of a base commander Colonel. He founded and managed, Keter Israel Chemicals and served as a division manager, then worked for twenty-two years in the Ministry of Defense as a department manager. He is currently involved in community-based activities, chairing the the Ben-Gurion University's audit committee and is member of the university’s Board of Directors.

 

In 2006 he received the Civic Award (Yakir Ha’Ir) from the City of Be’er Sheva.

In 2007 he received the Team Civic Award (Yakir Tzevet) from the IDF Veterans Organization.

In 2010 he was awarded the WVF World Silver Medal (World Veterans Federation).

In 2014, he was awarded the Mayor of Be’er Sheva Shield for outstanding organizations.

In 2007 he was accepted to the Israeli Painters and Sculptors Association.

In 2012 he was elected Chairman of the Sculptors and Painters Association of Be’er Sheva and the Negev.

Between the years 2012-2016, he established collaborations between the Sculptors and Painters Association of Be’er Sheva and the Negev and artists' associations throughout the country, and at the same time voluntarily taught art at the Mental Health Center in Be’er Sheva. His students reach impressive achievements.

Gideon began painting for the first time after his retirement in 2005, attaining a senior art instructor certificate from the Center for Visual Arts, Kay Academic College of Education in Be’er Sheva.

Gideon Shani paints in a realistic style, uses water colors, acrylic colors and especially oil paints.

The range of themes of his paintings is wide and varied, and you can see between them landscapes, stills and portraits, with special focus on the southern landscape distinct colors.

In 2015 he began to sculpt, with tutoring at the studio of the sculptor Tzipi Biran. His sculptures center on expressive portraits and Bible stories and anchor the tradition of realistic sculpture, which Gideon sculpts in clay, completing the casting of the sculptures in bronze and polyester.

 

Since 2005 he has exhibited in 17 solo exhibitions and participated in 50 group exhibitions held in Israel and abroad.

His work draws its substance from the enchanting beauty of the southern landscapes, which he first encountered during his military service and over more than 50 years, have become his physical, mental and emotional life environment.

 

In his words:  "My encounter with the landscape is a bond between belonging and commitment, not as of a spectator. Belonging to the history of my forefathers who wandered here thousands of years ago.  Belonging to the inhabitant of the desert who wandered here hundreds of years ago. Belonging to the inhabitants who live here today and belonging to the pure and primal beauty of the expanses of the Negev, from HaMakhtesh HaGadol with its cosmic colors and shapes to the landscapes of Sodom that terrorize and enchant the beholder.”