Oasis

In his latest show, titled Oasis, painter Israel Solomon presents a collection of vibrantly colored depictions of various vessels, figures, and landscapes. With his first body of work created in oil rather than his usual acrylics, this show is full of rich colors and captivating scenes that together point to how much he has grown as an artist. Viewers can also appreciate the different ways he has chosen to challenge himself in preparing for this show, and how his creative process has served as his own oasis during difficult times. 

For Solomon, different vessels like bowls, vases, pitchers, and pots serve as a metaphor for blessing and abundance. They offer up an image of all the little things that we can each be grateful for in the midst of hardship. As viewers look at these pieces, he hopes they will take time to consider their own blessings as they ponder what could be contained inside each vessel. 

He also seeks to call attention to the ever-present plight of the artist, feeling simultaneously rich in blessings and also aware of a world moving further and further away from reliance on and appreciation of the creative arts. We can be grateful for any opportunity to create beauty that brings people joy as they experience it, while also reminding viewers of the true importance of the arts. Solomon's works hold a Surrealist quality that is full of hope, portals, and the reminder that imagination is one of our most powerful tools as humans, and something we all share. 

Solomon firmly believes that as artists, we should continually be in a state of growth. He enjoyed the process of creating these pieces with not only a new medium (oil) but also a new painting style. In the past, he used tape to create neat, clean lines in each piece that added to the sharp, abstract quality of his work; Solomon instead rendered each line with just paint and a paintbrush for Oasis. This creates a softer effect that perfectly complements the compositions and brilliant colors in each painting. 

When looking at this show, viewers can appreciate each new step that Solomon has taken in his creative process and be reminded that even when times seem hard, there is always hope. It also offers an opportunity for each of us to ask: What serves as my oasis when life gets hard?

We can be encouraged by the brilliant colors and compositions, remembering that we each have opportunities to grow and learn as individuals, and can use our imagination to create a more hopeful and vibrant future.