Zohar Fraiman. You-Phoria

The works of Zohar Fraiman (* 1987 in Jerusalem, Israel) pose current questions about identity formation under the influence of social media platforms and an ever-growing treasure trove of visual references from the internet. In her paintings, she mixes artistic influences from painters such as Botticelli, Balthus and Modigliani with depictions of celebrities or cartoon characters from Matt Groening and Disney films. Using brush, oil and canvas, the artist succeeds in conveying an essential attitude to life of the generation that is growing up since the internet and smartphones have changed society like never before.

In recent years, Fraiman has developed a highly recognisable style that is reminiscent of art-historical movements such as Mannerism or Surrealism as well as the ubiquitous use of filters and editing tools in digital photography. Her almost exclusively female protagonists move in a complex universe of seductive-looking food and goods, bright and attention-grabbing colours and a multitude of fictional or virtual characters. The ubiquitous smartphone serves both as a portal into these dizzying worlds and as a constant distraction from them. Fraiman's works are ostensibly humorous, but also draw attention to disturbing developments such as distorted beauty standards and the drift into filter bubbles.

Last edited on 22.05.2025