A Veteran Art Dealer Who Will Convince You Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Israeli Art
With 25 years of experience and two successful galleries—Zemack and Corridor—Erez Zemach is launching a new gallery designed to propel Israeli art onto the global stage. He likens some works to value stocks, while others, riskier by nature, he compares to tech shares. Zemach is convinced that a profound shift has taken place since October 7—one that can be strategically leveraged: “The most important collectors in the world are Jewish.”
At age 25, collector and art dealer Erez Zemach (53) decided to leave San Francisco and make aliyah to Israel. At first, he planned to open a restaurant in Tel Aviv, but then he saw a “for lease” sign at a new hotel near the sea. Completely by chance, that space became Corridor Gallery, specializing in contemporary art and representing leading artists from around the world. Later, he opened Galerie Zemack in Kikar HaMedina.
This week (June 12), Zemach is opening another art space in the heart of Neve Tzedek—a branch of Corridor that will feature rotating exhibitions by different artists. His galleries are among the few Israeli galleries that participate in international art fairs and work with collectors abroad. At the opening, a group exhibition will feature world-renowned artist Alec de Marco, who will attend despite the ongoing war.
Tzemach’s unconventional vision is to turn the Israeli art market into a tradable currency on the international stage—an ambition that sharpened after October 7. In an interview with Globes, he explains why investing in Israeli art can be profitable for everyone and why now, more than ever, Israeli artists have a huge chance at success.
Why open another gallery now, amid a cultural boycott?
“We want the new gallery to focus on promoting Israeli art, build a core group of 12–15 Israeli artists, and then go out into the world to show at major fairs. We also want to present Israeli artists here at home, so they have representation locally. The new space will connect Israeli artists and create a community and networking hub for them.”
How It Will Work
Tzemach plans to hold a new exhibition roughly every six weeks—starting with group shows and then solo exhibitions by Israeli artists. Occasionally, he’ll show an international artist he strongly believes in.
Israeli vs. American Investors
Tzemach describes differences between how Israelis and Americans collect art: Israeli buyers tend to take more risks and look to buy pieces priced at $10,000–$30,000 with hopes of selling for 5–10× returns. American collectors, by contrast, prefer works that are already well established and offer more steady (about 10–15% annual) gains—and they enjoy the art in their homes, not just as an investment.
He likens blue-chip art—works by internationally recognized artists—to value stocks like Coca-Cola or Johnson & Johnson, and younger, riskier artists to volatile tech stocks with the potential for large gains.
Examples of Strong Returns
Zemach notes past successes: works by KAWS that once sold for $20,000–$40,000 now fetch $200,000–$300,000; Warhol prints originally priced at $20,000–$50,000 are now worth 2–3× more; and some Banksy pieces have appreciated to around $100,000. Emerging artists like Aboudia have also seen values multiply.
A Shift Since October 7
Zemach believes the world has changed since October 7 and sees an opportunity for Israeli art internationally. He says Jewish collectors are among the most important in the art world—both at fairs and in major U.S. museums where Jewish patrons are major donors. “If Jewish collectors suddenly stopped buying art, Picasso would become something only the very wealthy could afford.”
He says many Jewish American investors who previously showed little interest in Israeli art are now more receptive: “When I show them Israeli work, they feel a connection and want to buy—it’s a way to give back to Israel.”
Zemach recalls a Miami art fair where despite protests outside, a long line of visitors came in, embraced the gallery, and all the Israeli artists’ work sold out. He notes that Israeli art is still relatively affordable and believes prices will rise over time.
His Investment Advice
He recommends that potential buyers first do their homework—attend exhibitions, visit museums, and see what they genuinely like—then consult experts familiar with the market. Tzemach encourages buying and supporting artists who are going through a tough period in Israel right now. His advice is simple: “Buy Israeli art. If you have the means to buy a piece you love that also has potential to grow in value, why not?”
