Pavel Wolberg

Born 1966 in Leningrad, USSR, Pavel Wolberg lives and works in Tel Aviv, Israel. Pavel Wolberg operates at the intersection of photojournalism and fine art, embodying an uncompromising approach to realism. His photographs reflect the contradictions of everyday life: each image seems straightforward—clearly depicting its setting and scenario—but closer examination reveals complexities that are difficult to define. The courage and ingenuity behind his work are matched only by the depth of meaning within each photograph. Wolberg’s images challenge traditional ideas of straightforward documentation typical of photojournalism. He emphasizes the aesthetic experience, inviting viewers to consider his work through the lens of his personal history, identity, and sensibility. This perspective allows for new insights and deeper understanding to emerge. Wolberg has participated in numerous group exhibitions at institutions including the 52nd Venice Biennale; the Martin- Gropius-Bau, KIM-Kunst Im Tunnel, Düsseldorf; La collection Antoine de Galbert; La Maison Rouge; Paris; Jewish Museum, Amsterdam; Passage de Retz, Paris; Krefeld Museum; Exit Art, New York; and Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Wolberg’s work is represented in prominent public and private collections, among them the TAMA museum of modern art, Tel Aviv Museum; Foundation Carmignac, Fond National d’Art Contemporain, France, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem; The Jewish Museum, NYC; La Maison Rouge, Fondation A. de Galbert, Paris. Wolberg received the Leon Constantiner Prize for Israeli Photography in 2005, and the Sony World Photography Award in 2011. In 2017 Wolberg was shortlisted for the seventh cycle of the the global Prix Pictet award.