ZVIA

ZVIA (1935–1974), artist. Zvia was born at kibbutz Mishmar ha-Sharon, Ereẓ Israel, and studied art in Tel Aviv before attending the Central School of Art and Crafts, London; she finally settled in England in 1957. Her gifts in traditional techniques were considerable, as draughtsman, painter and portrait-sculptor. But her real talent and interest lay in research, notably into the light properties of acrylics and the use of electric light in sculpture. For these reasons she was employed by both ICI and Osram-GEC, to explore the properties and possibilities of these materials; the elaborate sculptural complexes she produced for these companies were exhibited. As part of her research, she produced a series of charming plastic jewelry. Among her public commissions is a large outdoor sculpture for the University of Sussex, England. She possessed an unusual combination of artistic and scientific accomplishments. (Charles Samuel Spencer)