The painting pulls inspiration from many artists, most notably Salvador Dali and Georgia O'Keeffe whose surreal and serene styles can easily be seen. In the distance on the left side of the painting stands Diamond Head, one of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii and a symbol of not only my home state by the lifestyle and artistic styles there. Across the ocean and the painting and closer to the viewer are a group of buildings that seem to be a cross between Jerusalem and the University of San Diego (symbolized by the domes with both gold and blue), two places that greatly affected me as a person. In the middle of the painting is a section of the Israeli Separation Wall, which stands between all of the elements and places that have helped to raise my views as an artist and a human being
This piece deals with the divergent views on alcohol held by different generations and cultures. While the brightly colored red cups are a strong symbol of American college, drinking games and binging, the central image of the gas mask hints at a darker image that is emphasized by the rough style in which it is executed. The vibrancy of the cups making up the eye, nose, mouth and filter parts contrasts with the starkness of the gas mask, not only in color but also in function. While the mask is used to keep out toxic gases, the keg cups are commonly used to drink alcoholic beverages that some consider harmful. The images grow out of rather differing attitudes toward alcohol that I have been exposed to being a dual citizen of Israel and the United States. In Israel there are liberal views on alcohol consumption and though it is not looked down upon, binge drinking is uncommon (and coincidentally gas masks have been a frequent part of life). On the other hand, in the United States where I attended college, despite stricter laws binge drinking is much more embedded in youth culture. Is alcohol such a dark poison or a just a part of a brightly colored party? It probably depends if you ask someone during the party or the next morning.
College


one

 

College
Kamea Hadar
2009

48" x 60"
oil on canvas

$4700
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