1992. Oil on canvas.
The painting conveys the transmission of overall heritage, as well as the mark that life experience has left on the mother. The softness of the brown colors represents the woman’s connection to mother earth and the need to persevere. The daughter, dressed in the white of pureness and innocence accepts, resignedly, that she is destined for her mother’s life. The redness of the cloth on the small stool foretells that the child’s future will be sained with the loss of her virginity, the blood of birth, and the sacrifices of life. The pitcher of water that is placed on the stool symbolizes the hope of renewal and purification. The artist leaves the viewer to wonder as to the validity of the actions and beliefs bequeathed from one generation to another.
1998. Oil on canvas, 23” x 18”
The old man leans against the wall of his simple, village home. He relaxes, smoking the traditional Yemen hookah as the early afternoon light shines through the window.
1991. Oil on Canvas.
The young man in the open shirt is binding the tefillin on his right hand as the child next to him sits hypnotized by the action. To the right, stands a statue, inspired by Laocoön and His Sons, where the subjects are struggling with a snake. The struggle creates a mirror image of the wrapping of the tefillin and represents the entrapment of our beliefs. The only free hand in the painting symbolizes the question of free choice. All of the drama takes place in the center of the painting where a candle illuminates the open book’s illustration of the prophet whoo warns humans that their actions need to plant a seed of renewal and hope.
1997. Oil on canvas, 24” x 18”
A young girl sampling the abundant fruit serves as a reminder of Eve’s deportation from heaven. The red striped shirt on a white background symbolizes the loss of innocence and freedom. The painting illustrates the moment before choosing to bite, when the door is still open and the choice has not yet been made.
Music: January by Vadim Derepa
1992. Oil on canvas.
The child sits alone, glaring at the viewer all the while retreating inside himself.
2016. Digital portrait.
The portrait depicts young Esther before she became ill. The soft light conveys the fading memories of her beauty.
2016. Digital portrait.
A young girl peeks from the darkness to capture the viewer’s attention.
