YIGAL OZERI - The Chameleon

My new show opening in February at Galerie Ernst Hilger called The Chameleon is based on a multifaceted concept. I myself take on the role of the chameleon. This is a fitting characterization for me as I’m constantly shifting roles. The chameleon also pertains to the subject matter that is repeatedly changing. There are a number of models in this exhibition taken from a variety of series I’ve done over the last few years. dating back to 2012 to my most recent body of work. One of the models in this show Cristal, a dark skinned beauty, juxtaposes Zuzanna, a fair skinned blonde. Cristal has a heroic and raw presence. She stands in front of the camera like a predacious lion, and in back of her, lies Bear Mountain. The dichotomy of Zuzanna’s agreeable transparency and Cristal’s radical aura creates an unpredicted equilibrium. Cristal conquers nature while Zuzanna conforms and surrenders to nature.
In the Untitled; Zuzanna (36x54 inches) she’s emerged in branches, behind her, the Central Park boat house and lake. The light is blinding. I painted her against the light, a new element that has formed in my paintings. The light changes in the reflection of the water giving the illusion of movement. Zuzanna evokes the majestic feeling of sturdiness. In Untitled; Zuzanna (20x30 inches) her head is tilted back in a rather awkward stance. Typically I paint my subjects head on, in direct compositions. They tend to look at the viewer directly. This piece in particular is a profile view creating an unaccustomed reaction. There are 2 works that open a new chapter for me. In these new works, the subject (Zuzanna) is abstracted and the background is the focal point. The model disappears and the landscape becomes sharp. In my work the subject is always the point of convergence so this work was a pioneering moment for me. Adding a different sensibility to my work. In this show there are 10 watercolor pieces that will be showcased along with the oil paintings.
Watercolor pieces give a sense of viridity. They are refreshing and honest. The drawings look so effortless, almost like I blew them on the paper. This technique is another example of my versatility.

Exhibition until 10.3.2017