The Six Million Project often triggers a cascade of questions: Why is it hand-painted? Is there a grander vision that reveals itself when viewed from a distance? How are the colors chosen? Let's unravel the artistic side of the project.
Hand-Painting
As a graphic designer, I could easily have created the project digitally. My deliberate choice of hand-painting (gouache on paper) is rooted in the human connection. Hand-painting isn't perfect, and each rectangle is unique. Each stroke on the canvas is a testament to the individuality of a person, capturing the essence of lost lives. The canvases mirror once-thriving Jewish communities with vibrant colors, memorializing six million individuals in a personal way.
The painting process also emphasizes the meaning of numbers and time. Volunteers often exclaim that after two hours of painting, their overall impact on the canvas remains minimal.
Personally, it sparks me to contemplate the inverse: Did the SS encounter frustration when facing the monumental task of the Final Solution? Did they grapple with a sense of the impossible while cleansing Europe of its Jews? Their immense dedication of time and resources to this horrific endeavor fills me with profound anger and disgust.
Abstraction
The Six Million Project rejects specific representations, embracing the freedom and intuitive nature of abstract compositions. I paint spontaneously, with only a rough overall plan. Each piece emerges as a narrative waiting to be unraveled — a choreography of colors and shapes beckoning contemplation. The decision to sidestep gimmicky ideas (like seeing a bigger picture) allows us to see the beauty of the rectangles themselves and the way they are set off to complement each other.
Color Harmonies
In a world dominated by computer graphics, I seek the imperfect, the natural, the warm, and the organic forms that surround us. I choose colors intuitively. Each rectangle tells its own story, no one is more important than the other. Some are grouped by hue or shade, there are the occasional ‘twins’ or ‘triplets’, and some may form a ‘family’ or even 'village'. Colors unite, mirroring the unity found within diversity.
Curiosity of the Process
The final installation will have 4 longs rows of 25 paintings each. One hundred framed pieces will fit together on one wall. As the journey unfolds, my artistic curiosity propels me. With four initial pieces laying the groundwork, the anticipation of the project's outcome continues to intrigue me. I wonder how my art will evolve and if it will eventually solidify into a recognizable style?
My Process - Listening and Learning
Immersing myself in the solemnity of The Six Million Project involves a unique process. While painting, I listen to audiobooks covering the Holocaust and World War II — both fiction and non-fiction. Testimonies of survivors and engaging with podcasts and webinars on the subject further channel my focus toward the individuals I am memorializing, one rectangle at a time.
Collaboration
Embarking on the monumental task of painting six million rectangles is a journey that unfolds over years – potentially stretching to decades at my current pace! From the project's inception, I've extended an open invitation to anyone with a love for painting (and with excellent eyesight to paint 2mm-wide rectangles) to partake in the painting process. For those who enjoy painting in the lines, it is a great way to relax, immersing in the solace of colors.
I encourage everyone who takes part in the project to choose their own colors: whatever makes them feel happy! As I have a wide range of gouaches, this is the fun part, and the colors picked by others adds to the spontaneity, sometimes creating a surprising “pop” of color that I wouldn’t necessarily have considered.
Israel War
Navigating through a time of collective trauma, The Six Million Project becomes a therapeutic reprieve. Amidst the ongoing war in Israel, this endeavor allows for a quiet yet purposeful engagement. As the nation grapples with the weight of atrocities and the constant fear and worry about hostages and loved ones, the project stands as a testament to Israel's resilience and the Jewish people's collective healing.
Conclusion
Through the interplay of color and form, we can pay homage to the unique essence of each lost life in these tapestries woven from the vibrant communities who were ruthlessly eradicated. These abstract compositions may serve as a conduit for reflection, understanding, and empathy.
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