“Much good can be said about the circumstances of the immigrant’s life, particularly the immigrant whose lot is better as a result of immigration. Yet in spite of his assimilation to the new culture, a void still exists in his heart. Something is missing. In a way, this painting is a self-portrait, a light hearted perception of my own lot as an immigrant – somewhat confused, but mostly culturally isolated. I wear a Moroccan ‘tarboosh’, a Jewish yarmulka and a cowboy hat and play an oud (a stringed Middle Eastern instrument) like a woodwind, and no one is listening.”

– Raphael Bouganim

Size: 29″ x 42″, Medium: oil on canvas