Lilac Abramsky-Arazi is an Israeli painter, whose
background is in neuropsychology and dance,
she openly admits her attraction to imperfection
within her work. Of her four paintings, two are
of particular interest for this piece – Tron and
Crossing.
“I love the poetry in Lilac’s work,” says Malika Ali,
“it invites people to spend time looking – to take
time and dig a little deeper, it involves both the
intellect and the emotions.”
Lilac’s painting might seem very pleasant at first
sight. Colourful, inviting, aesthetic. But then I
notice my breathing becoming unease. Tron
(acrylic on canvas, 70x90, 2014) calls me in and
then withdraws, holding a contrast between
clean and defined lines and smeared, unfinished
edges, which leave me uncertain. Am I wanted
here? Is it safe to approach? I found myself
sucked into a labyrinth of emotional turbulence,
looking for something to hold onto for stability.
Later, moving back, I couldn’t understand what
was the fuss about. A harmless abstract painting.
Why was I so shaken by you? Time and again
I found the irresistible pull inside, only to find
doubt when coming out. There is something
almost human about Tron’s imperfection, which
rattles my control.The contrast between passion and tenderness
becomes even more explicit with Crossing
(acrylic on canvas, 115x62, 2015). Look at it once,
and here’s is a very bleeding painting, full of hurt,
threats and fear – perhaps like a heart-churning
quarrel of lovers, unable to unlock their desire
for one another, yet deeply engaged in mutual
destruction. Look it again, and there is something
comforting in the unlikely combination of colours
and patterns, textures and movement, as the
imperfection allows space for humanity, for rest.
Take your eyes away and meet the painting once
more and others layers are exposed, resemblingArtist Jedediah Johnson testing the scents on
his works on paper series "This Tent of a Body."
Medium: Paper and Scent. Size: 30"x22". Year: 2016.