This is the third painting using 12 panels that I have created along the theme of doors and windows, the first being Door to Africa and the second titled Window on the Fullness of Time. During the painting of this 12 paneled door we had a flood in our house. All the reference books for the Middle East were ruined by the water! It took 3 years to complete, during which time the Middle East has become the focal point of world events. I loved painting this door- the many varied cultures of the Near and Middle East and rich history of the area are continually fascinating yet perplexing. Twelve is a number of government and authority…the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 apostles… The frames for this series are specially constructed; this one from resin poured into hand carved wooden moulds that resemble the old door and window frames found in Zanzibar and the East. When painting these doors and windows I am inspired by archaeological artifacts, fabrics, clothing, bags, eating implements, carpets and buildings from each area.
Here follows a short explanation of each panel starting from top to bottom and left to right:
1. Russian yarmulke or kippa
2. Ancient rock carving of menorah, Beth Shean
3. Turkish carpet “Persian Garden”
4. Temple Mount, Jerusalem
5. Flame of God burning for eternity over Jerusalem
6. Golden Gate of the Messiah
7. Yemen bridal dress detail
8. Mosque dome, mosaic details, Baghdad, Iraq
9. Armenian dancing skirt with pomegranate detail
10. Afghani carpet detail, bought 8/11- day before 9/11!
11. Aerial map of the Old walled city of Jerusalem superimposed over mosaic stones of the New Jerusalem
12. Palestinian bag embroidery detail
DOOR TO THE MIDDLE EAST by Inge Semple
Medium: oils on board, size 102cm by 163cm, price on request
Blog posted by Inge Semple
Browse Timeline
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
