Self Portrait 1981

Here we see Alexander Bogen's self-portrait, an echo of a life steeped in historical upheaval. Born in 1916, Bogen's identity was deeply shaped by the Holocaust and his subsequent involvement with Jewish partisan groups during World War II. The abstract rendering of his face against a backdrop of muted colors speaks to the fragmentation of identity experienced during times of conflict. We can see how the traditional notions of selfhood are questioned. His brushstrokes seem to be reaching for something beyond representation, perhaps a quest to capture the weight of history and the burden of memory. This self-portrait serves not only as an artistic expression but also as a profound meditation on the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable adversity.