Bar Hama was born in Morocco in 1946, and immigrated to Israel in 1956,

since then he lives with his family in Kiryat Gat.

During 1966-1973, he studied art at the High School of Painting (nowadays known as Kalisher School of Art) in Tel Aviv, at the Art Teachers’ Training College, Ramat Hasharon, and at Tel Aviv University. During his studies he worked as assistant to Prof. Arie Margoshelsky, the founder of the High School of Painting.

Upon graduation Avner was requested to join the school staff, where he was nominated as Pedagogic Director. He filled that post until 1977.

Since 1972 Bar Hama presented over 30 sculptures and artistic projects in Israel and abroad, and his works adorn many sites.

In 1981, he was nominated to be Head of the Art Course at Talpiot College, Tel Aviv.

In 1992 he was designated Curator of the Municipal Art Gallery, Kiryat Gat.

In 1995 he resumed his position as Head of the Art Course at Talpiot College, Tel Aviv, where he established “HaGalleria HaAcheret” (Another Gallery). He also established the College of Contemporary Jewish Art, directing it up to date.

Bar Hama executed various artistic projects, among them the Memorial for Kiryat Gat’s Fallen Soldiers; and sculpture and wall-sculpture for the lobby of the Trade Tower, Tel Aviv.

In 1998 he was granted an Honourable Mention, Tel Aviv Artists’ Association Selected Artist Award., as well as receiving a first prize in four sculpture competitions in Ashdod, Holon, Even Shmuel and Bat Yam.

He is recipient of the Exhibition Award for the year 2000, Tel Aviv Artists’ Association Selected Artist Award.

During 2002 he served in Paris as a representative of the Jewish Agency Cultural Department in Western Europe.

In 2004 he was chosen by the Israel Ministry of Education & Culture to be participant at

the “Cité International des Arts de Paris”, and resided there also in summer 2006 and 2009 and 2008.

In 2009 he established and is curating it up to date the “Hillel 17 Gallery" in Jerusalem.