Amalya Nini was born in a small village in Israel, second generation to a family of Yemenite origin who had specialized in wool and leather artistry alongside rabbinical study and practice.
She studied art in Israel and enriched her knowledge by taking courses in New York City and traveling around the world, thus widening her horizons and gaining a deep understanding of beauty and nature: the essence of art. Amalya’s love affair with Jewish Art is probably the result of her Israeli upbringing in a close knit rural Yemenite community, rich in Biblical tradition and folklore.
Her inspiration comes from elaborate descriptions of ceremonial artifacts in the Bible, the beauty and mysticism associated with the House of God and its spiritual ramifications, and the ancient landscapes of the Holy land where she resides.
Amalya’s papercuts are part of an ancient tradition that originated in the far east and extended to European Jews around the 18th Century and later to North Africa. Her papercuts are a direct continuation of this wonderful tradition. Within them, she has interwoven motives and symbols of Jewish Culture and ceremony. The various blessings and quotations cited on these works enhance their delicate beauty and make them perfect gifts for any occasion.
Since she began her journey into the heart of Judaica, Amalya has been featured in many art exhibitions and prestigious galleries throughout the US, Canada and Israel. Her unique paintings have been presented as gifts to such prominent figures as King Abdullah of Jordan , Hillary Clinton, Sting, etc. She lives and works in a small picturesque house nestled in the Jerusalem Hills, in the village of Tzur Hadassah.
Nini’s papercuts enhanced with 24k gold leaf are on a league of their own. Art & Soul is happy to represent her in Toronto.