Brighton Beach 1

As an immigrant, a refugee from the former USSR, I am fascinated by the Jewish immigrant community in Brooklyn hailing from former Soviet Union countries, and the absurdities and contradictions that abound in it. I paint the everyday moments which encapsulate that sometimes insular Diaspora experience, where poverty and extravagance are inexplicably coupled, and where old-world values are constantly clashing with modern American culture. My series offers a small window into this world, from the eyes of an American who nevertheless has an intimate understanding of her subjects’ habits and prejudices. This painting shows two older ladies hanging out on Brighton Beach in Brooklyn. Many older residents religiously go swimming and sun bathing every morning in the summer months. In early mornings on the weekdays, the beach is full of Russian speaking retirees, who leave as soon as noon approaches. In this painting, I portray this favorite summer past time of this community.