Art speaks a language that transcends words, stirring emotions and offering a visual outlet for expression. Through vibrant hues and expressive strokes, it’s easy to understand why someone would dedicate their life to creating pieces that uplift and inspire.

Samuel Hagai, a celebrated Israeli artist, has embraced this path wholeheartedly. A self-taught talent, he crafts hyper-realistic and surreal artworks that feel like dreams brought to life, whether on canvas or sprawling across urban walls. Mastering graffiti and realism, his creations have graced cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, London, and many corners of Israel. Born in 1982, Samuel began painting with oils at the age of 12 and soon found his calling in street art. His passion evolved into a global career, earning him acclaim far and wide.

In 2017, Macy’s commissioned him to design a mural for their Christmas display. By 2019, he had painted four murals at a U.S. Air Force Base in New Jersey and held a solo exhibition in New York’s West Village. Since then, his work has appeared in public spaces, galleries, museums, military bases, corporate offices, and universities around the world. For Samuel, art is more than decoration—it’s a heartfelt expression that transforms dreams into visual joy.

He finds deep fulfillment in the creative process, whether working on a canvas or a city wall, and cherishes the emotional responses his art evokes. His journey, marked by passion, resilience, and relentless dedication, has led to success despite the challenges of being self-taught. Even during tough times, he continued to paint, often without financial gain, driven purely by love for his craft.

Starting by sharing his work with those close to him, Samuel gradually caught the attention of collectors and galleries, first in Israel and then internationally. To aspiring artists, he offers this advice: dive fully into each project and focus on the details—because it’s the little things that can turn a simple piece into something unforgettable.