Copyright © Susie Raz 2024
This suite of 15 paintings and accompanying
documents tell the story of the persecution of my
family in Europe during WWII. Five of the
paintings depict life in Vienna before the Nazi
occupation while another five show life in
Melbourne for the family members who were
able to flee. The other five paintings portray the
fate of my great grandmother, Elsa, who never
received her landing permit to Australia and was
murdered in Auschwitz. These last are based on a
family letter which I uncovered, and which tells
what happened to Elsa.
Project
The under-representation of female artists in the
art history books and art galleries of the world is
the motivation behind the creation of this series
of self-portraits. Each self-portrait is a homage
to a different female Australian artist of the 20
th
century who persisted despite the lack of
recognition and support from the male-
dominated culture. These women’s creativity,
commitment, and courage have been invaluable
role models, and they inspire me to continue
their work by walking the artistic path.
Project
National Competition Finalist
Homage to Nora
Gosford Art Prize 2020
Oil on Canvas
100 x 80cm
Yarramunna
Percival Portrait Prize 2020
Oil on Canvas
120 x 90cm
Homage to Hilda
Gosford Art Prize 2021
Oil on Canvas
140 x 80cm
Will I return home
National Capital Art Prize 2021
Oil on Canvas
90 x 120cm
Projects
For the one whose voice was silenced
On whose shoulders I stand