Pesach by Camille Fox
Object numberM2022/022:009
TitlePesach by Camille Fox
Creator Camille Fox
DescriptionOil on canvas painting titled 'Pesach' by Camille Fox depicting a Sydney family busily preparing for the seder a traditional Passover meal.
Camille explains; "My painting is inspired by my recent experience volunteering at Our Big Kitchen in Bondi. The energy, joy, and camaraderie were felt as we all came together to prepare meals for people in need.
I wanted to show these feelings on my canvas. I think of this painting as a homage to those who generously give their time to cook delicious food, filled with love.
The festival of Pesach is one of family and friends, tradition, kindness and of course good food.'
Until relatively recently, the story of the Sephardim in Sydney had been largely untold and unrecognised. Their communities across the Middle East and North Africa were displaced and those who eventually found a home in Australia faced numerous challenges. Sydney Jewish Museum's recent exhibition Jews From Islamic Lands (March to December 2020) told the story of this 'minority within a minority', acknowledging their rich history, the difficulties they faced, and their willingness to embrace new opportunities in Australia while still holding onto their cherished customs. Camille Fox's paintings, inspired by her memories of Egypt, were included in the exhibition. Her vibrant paintings and ability to tell stories through the lens of happy memories of a bygone era, inspired us to commission a series of artworks for the Museum's collection to depict key Jewish life cycle events and 'Chaggim' (Jewish high holy days), bringing together her unique sensibilities and illustration skills to give a glimpse into contemporary Jewish life in a specifically Sydney setting.
Camille explains; "My painting is inspired by my recent experience volunteering at Our Big Kitchen in Bondi. The energy, joy, and camaraderie were felt as we all came together to prepare meals for people in need.
I wanted to show these feelings on my canvas. I think of this painting as a homage to those who generously give their time to cook delicious food, filled with love.
The festival of Pesach is one of family and friends, tradition, kindness and of course good food.'
Until relatively recently, the story of the Sephardim in Sydney had been largely untold and unrecognised. Their communities across the Middle East and North Africa were displaced and those who eventually found a home in Australia faced numerous challenges. Sydney Jewish Museum's recent exhibition Jews From Islamic Lands (March to December 2020) told the story of this 'minority within a minority', acknowledging their rich history, the difficulties they faced, and their willingness to embrace new opportunities in Australia while still holding onto their cherished customs. Camille Fox's paintings, inspired by her memories of Egypt, were included in the exhibition. Her vibrant paintings and ability to tell stories through the lens of happy memories of a bygone era, inspired us to commission a series of artworks for the Museum's collection to depict key Jewish life cycle events and 'Chaggim' (Jewish high holy days), bringing together her unique sensibilities and illustration skills to give a glimpse into contemporary Jewish life in a specifically Sydney setting.
Production placeSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Production date 2022
Object namepaintings
Dimensions
- width: 560.00 mm
height: 410.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Funded by Mark Chotiner. In memory of the Chotiner, Kraemer and Schifter families