HOLOCAUST PAINTINGS
The Holocaust and a brooding sense of history dominate this body of mixed media paintings on paper, consisting of acrylic, charcoal, pastel and documentary photographs taken by eyewitnesses to the events in Europe during World War II. They range in size from 24" x 36" to 6' x 8.'
Growing up Jewish in a quiet American suburb, I was always keenly aware of the horror that befell members of my family and, as a result, developed a lasting sense of existential vulnerability. To me, The Holocaust represents the pinnacle of evil in the history of human civilization, against which all evil is now measured. This series of paintings addresses the choices we might have made under such dire circumstances: Would I have left before it was too late? Would I have resisted? Would I have helped others even if it meant my own life was at risk? Would I have collaborated or betrayed others in order to survive? Would I have become an animal or maintained my sense of self?
All of the Holocaust images are intentionally appealing to the eye with their bright colors and bold architectural shapes and angles. They are intended to draw the viewer into a 'pretty' world where individual choices impact life and death and where, most often, escape is entirely up to chance.
