Oma

Oil on Cabinet Door 23.75" x 52"

2001-2007

Completed in stages over a six year period, this painting describes the memory of Joe's German grandmother largely as related to Joe by his mother. She worked as a midwife before, during and after the period of the Reich. As most Germans of those generations, she would rather not have had her life and the life of her people defined by those twelve years. But like most Germans, she is unable to escape it. Being the regional officer for her midwife's union, she was required to be a Nazi Party member, which she accepted. However, much later, when the ill fortunes of Germany in the war brought greater repression at home, she was asked to inform upon clients. This she refused. The Party's response was to attempt to ruin her reputation publicly and make it difficult for her to obtain new clients. When occupation came to her town, she buried her Party badge in a public garden. Every year for a decade she would find it again when she tilled the plot, until eventually she just pocketed it and took it home. When she was instructed to claim compensation from the West German government for being an oppressed person, she declined. A graphic retelling of her story is anticipated in the near future.

Not available for purchase.

[ + ] Click images for enlarged view