Love No. 46

A visit to Israel in 1975 inspired Dogançay to begin his extensive Walls of the World series, which includes many of his most critically acclaimed and signature works. He often invoked the motif of the heart, noting that people are often more ashamed of their tenderness than their violence. The artist stated, “Only love can solve our problems; love and also beautiful compositions.”

The use of turquoise recalls the favored color on public buildings throughout the Islamic world for its association with the waters of paradise. In combination with Hebrew words, this painting also evokes both the Jewish holy site of the wailing wall of Jerusalem as well as graffiti on the streets of Tel Aviv. The arrow suggests a detour or escape, around or through the wall to a liberating place of love.