Jacob El Hanani, born in 1947 in Casablanca and raised in Israel, is a master of micro-drawing, renowned for his meticulous and meditative works inspired by the Jewish tradition of micrography. After completing his formal education at the Avni School of Fine Arts in Tel Aviv and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, El Hanani moved to New York in the early 1970s, where he continues to live and work.

El Hanani’s highly detailed works are created through the repetition of thousands of tiny linear strokes or Hebrew letters, often forming intricate abstract patterns on paper or canvas. His technique, which requires extraordinary discipline and precision, results in works that, when viewed from a distance, resemble atmospheric landscapes, woven textiles, or topographical maps. Often described as “the grandfather of micro-drawing,” El Hanani's works serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.

His drawings are crafted without the use of magnification, with the artist taking frequent breaks to rest his eyes during the laborious process. This slow, deliberate method stands in stark contrast to the fast pace of modern life, inviting viewers to pause and contemplate the complexity and depth of his creations. Each piece can take months or even years to complete, underscoring the artist’s deep commitment to his meditative practice.

El Hanani's works are included in the permanent collections of major institutions such as The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The British Museum, and the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou. His solo exhibitions have been featured at venues including the American University Museum in Washington, DC, Acquavella Galleries in New York, and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.