Tami Bahat

A deep love for imperfect beauty and the belief that art is in everyone fuel my portraiture. As a conduit to other lifetimes, I construct stories of the past through the people of my present-day life. This series, Dramatis Personae, has given me a unique opportunity to exhibit my personal connection to history, and to share my deep longing for times that no longer exist. 

My father introduced me to the Old Masters when I was very young, which had an indelible impact on me. These artists spoke directly to my heart from hundreds of years away, never needing to utter a single word to explain themselves. This showed that it was possible to convey all kinds of emotion through window light, a quiet moment of reflection or even a simple object. Thus began my transition into painting through the use of a camera.

The animals exhibited in this series are real. These beautiful creatures have a mind of their own which I admire and fully embrace. I respect their curiosity about the world, and that they bring immense wonder and unexpected moments to these scenes. 

I have acquired a diverse collection of antique furniture, props and frames that carry their own stories and maintain an authenticity throughout the work. Through these items, a piece of history becomes entwined within a contemporary piece of art. It lifts my soul that their existence continues indefinitely.

The Twins

The Nun

The Arrangement

The Feline

The Painter

The Concern

The Man Child

The Uncommon Bond

The Intellectual

The Waterfowl

The Twins

The Nun

The Arrangement

The Feline

The Painter

The Concern

The Man Child

The Uncommon Bond

The Intellectual

The Waterfowl