“In my work I aim to depict the contemporary human experience of our existence, both physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Through painting, I am dealing with our thoughts, how we experience time, the fragile gap between our inner fantasy world and outer boundaries, and between beauty and chaos.

The invention of the camera, has in many ways liberated the documentation role of figurative painting which allows me as an artist to explore emotion, atmosphere, perceptive analysis and psychological interpretation. In my work I am continuously looking for beauty and individuality in our trash-filled, noisy, capitalist profit oriented environment, focusing my attention on the trivial and mundane while loading it with meaning and emotion.

I…choose to paint directly from real life, orchestrating scenes and objects in my studio, as I feel that only this way I can depict reality in the most direct and honest way, without being restricted by the strains of any technological intermediate interpretation, such as photography and digital means. I work in the traditional technique of oil colours on self prepared support, as for me it allows the richest and most flexible expression in painting. There is simply no substitute for the infinite freedom of expression in colour and texture it offers.

Working in the traditional means of figurative painting in the 21st century, I am having a dialogue both with the traditions of painting, and with our current existence. In fact, not just documenting it, but also sharing my own perception of it.”

• Amnon David Ar