TAMARA BEKIER - ARTIST
ACQUISITIONS
Self Portrait, 1986
Synthetic polymer paint and ink on paper
28.4 x 16.1cm
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Victoria
The mood of this painting mirrors my thoughts, rendered in a palette of tranquil blues, a colour I often employ in my art to convey its dual psychological meanings. On one hand, it embodies a sense of calmness and serenity, while on the other, it carries the weight of sorrow and yearning.
While, overall, I consider myself a positive person, it is through the medium of painting and writing that I navigate the darker corners of my thoughts and melancholy disposition. The hood of my jacket takes on a symbolic role, serving as a shield, a cloak, and a facade—a means to safeguard and conceal the depths of my inner struggles from the outside world. With eyes fixed directly upon the viewer, I willingly expose my vulnerability, laying bare the raw truth of my emotional journey. It stands as a testament to the power of art and expression in transcending pain, and as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there exists an unyielding strength to endure.
Family Ties, 1988-1989
Synthetic polymer paint, ink, graphite, canvas and cotton thread on paper
Series 32.8 x 23.8cm
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Victoria I, II, III & VI
Private Collection IV & V
After attending a workshop with Mirka Mora, I found myself inspired to incorporate sewing into many of my artworks. Among these creations, the series titled 'Family Ties' holds a special place in my heart. I depicted various members of my family, including myself. My primary aim was to convey to my grandchildren our deep connection to our Russian heritage, a rich tapestry of culture and tradition that flows through our veins.
To bring these connections to life, I employed lines expressively, using them to shape the very essence of my subjects. Within this imagery, you will find the warm embrace of the orange hue, a colour I have chosen deliberately to symbolise the boundless optimism I hold for the future that awaits my grandchildren. Through my art, I hope to capture not only the essence of our heritage but also the promise and hope embodied by the generations to come.
Veiled Voices II & V, 1995-2000
Synthetic polymer paint, ink, PVA, rice paper and cotton thread on paper
35.1 x 49.5cm
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Victoria
Leaving my home in silence, as a displaced person, remains one of the most difficult challenges I have experienced in my life. In this series, I depict Russian women, some clinging to their children, their expressions a blend of fear and determination. At times they huddle together, bound by the common thread of uncertainty, haunted by unfamiliar sounds, and facing an unknown future. Their hearts ache with a longing for the land they once called home, while every day presents further insecurities. Despite the trials that test them, their remarkable bravery shines through as they strive to shield their children from the depths of their own suffering. The masks worn are a testament to the extraordinary strength and resilience that reside within them.
Transcending Horizons, 2011
Synthetic polymer paint, gel pen and ink on paper
48.6 x 69.5cm
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Victoria
In 'Transcending Horizons', I delve into the profound journey of migrants, weaving together the intricate threads of their experiences. This painting serves as a dreamscape, a vivid portrayal of displacement and the fervent search for belonging. Layers upon layers intertwine, creating a tapestry rich with lines, patterns, washes, and textures, all brought to life by a vibrant palette of colours.
To further enrich the narrative, I have incorporated Russian dolls (Babushka dolls), to emphasise my heritage as a symbol of the layers of identity and culture that migrants carry with them on their journey. Through 'Transcending Horizons', I aim to evoke empathy, understanding, and reflection on the universal quest for a place to call home.
Existing in the Shadows, 2019
Synthetic polymer paint, calligraphy pen, gel pen and ink on paper
Series: I & III
37.0 x 46.4cm
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Victoria
This series focuses on refugees who are unable to speak out. Instead, they mask their feelings. They are silent, unable to be heard, and live their lives in a landscape that is surreal and unfamiliar. Their unspoken plight continues, as they deal with overwhelming memories that never leave them. As these issues are never addressed, they suffer anxiety and depression. My mother was a survivor who suffered terribly from anxiety and depression, but it was always hidden from the family, out of sight. The bold contrast of tones represents their strength and experiences.
Hope, 2018
Synthetic polymer paint and ink on canvas
122.0 x 152.2cm
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Victoria
'Hope' is a painting that deeply resonates with many, encapsulating the yearning of new migrants and refugees as they embark on their journey, torn away from their homes, seeking a destination where they can finally find peace. In this artwork, stylized figures are depicted embracing, symbolizing the beginning of their journey, with their hearts full of hope. These figures are more than just survivors, they embody resilience in the face of persecution.
Tamara Bekier: Between Worlds Translation Cards, 1999-2023
Synthetic polymer paint and ink on paper
80 artworks
14 x 9cm
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Victoria
I hold a deep appreciation for the value of both food and art supplies, and I make it a point never to waste either. Almost every food scrap finds its way to the birds, while the remainder serves as rich compost for my garden. This same principle extends to my leftover paint. At the end of each session, I ensure that not a drop goes to waste. Paint holds a special significance for me, it is a medium I cherish.
I apply the surplus paint onto translation cards that once belonged to my late husband, Hubert. He had decided to discard a thousand of them, as they were no longer needed. I start by rapidly coating the surface with paint, and then I revisit each card, working meticulously until I achieve an image that resonates with me. This process is a labour of love, a way of giving new purpose to materials that might have otherwise been overlooked. My experiences have taught me to be resourceful and I am committed to making the most of what I have.
Albert Einstein, himself a refugee, observed that: “A bundle of belongings isn’t the only thing a refugee brings to his new country.” I brought memories and impressions of the displaced, the dispossessed, the plight of women and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. These are the things I paint instinctively and these form the essence of the message I hope to convey in the exhibition.
History Repeating, 2022
Synthetic polymer paint, charcoal and ink on paper
Series of 20
17 x 25cm
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Victoria
III, IV, VIII, IX, X, XIII, XV & XX
Private Collection
I, II, V, VI, VII, XI, XII, XIV, XVI, XVII, XVIII & XIX
In a world where history seems destined to repeat itself, I found myself deeply disturbed and affected by the conflict in Kiev, my birth place. The recent invasion has once again led to the displacement of a great number of people and before my eyes unfolded yet another humanitarian crisis of monumental proportions.
Overwhelmed by the frightening images and stories that flooded the media, I sought solace and expression in my art. In this series, I portray the refugees, whose fundamental human rights have been brutally violated. They flee from their homes, gripped by the threat of persecution, banding together in their search for safety and asylum.