LA GALERIA
DE PUTA
MADRE
I decided to call my gallery and this book La
Galeria De Puta Madre because these are the words
I find best describe my art and inspiration.
I don't believe that a person must have art
knowledge in order to understand or appreciate
art, to create, or to be an artist, for that matter.
Personally, I have never studied art. Although
I've been painting all my life, my dream was to
become a successful lawyer. It was only when I
finished law school and became a lawyer, that I
came to understand that “Arte es mi vida y mi vida
es arte” (“Art is my life and my life is art.”)
To me, art should be beautiful. I believe in fine
art in the literal sense—art that is chic, art that
is upbeat, art that is colorful even when it is only
in black and white, art that speaks for itself and
needs no explanation, and art that anyone with a
bit of good taste can love and appreciate.
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I call my style of art nouveau pop art. While its
“pop arty” side fits the common definition of the
term, its “nouveau” side actually contradicts
itself and the ordinary meaning of pop art.
Pop art is a modern visual art movement that uses
mass-produced visual commodities of popular
culture. This form of art is characterized by
themes and techniques drawn from popular culture,
such as advertising, comic books, and mundane
cultural objects. It is commercial art that
represents the contemporary consumer culture
and everyday life, such as Andy Warhol's Tomato
Soup, Marilyn Monroe, Che Guevara, Mickey Mouse,
and Banana.
Contrary to the sense of the word “nouveau,” which
means “new” in French, my art (though also modern
and fresh) is nostalgic. My inspiration is derived
from happy childhood memories, movies, cartoons,
music, fashion, and love. It is a reminiscent
inspiration combined with modern techniques and
contemporary touch that, in fact, make my art novel
and extraordinary.
Although pop art is also associated with artists' use
of mechanical means of reproduction or rendering
techniques, my technique is so precise that my
paintings look like prints, while in fact, they are
individually hand-painted from top to bottom. The
first thing to break the naked canvas is the pencil
work, then the brushes with the finest acrylic colors,
and finally, Swarovski crystals to give a touch of
chic and prestige to the pieces, transforming them
into jeweled treasures.
My paintings are art for “The Riches!” Their
creativity and appeal will spoil your wall!
Let me tell you about the things that inspire me.
Love
Love is my greatest inspiration in so many ways.
The name La Galeria De Puta Madre was, in a way,
the result of a love story. In 2002, while I was
in law school, I studied for one semester in
Venezia (Venice, Italy). During that time I had
a passionate relationship with a South American
model. The ending of that relationship shattered
my heart. At that point, my perspective of Venezia,
a romantic, vibrant and upbeat city, changed; it
looked and felt sad. I decided two things: one,
that I need to learn Spanish, the world’s sexiest
language, and two, I had to return to Venezia with
a real “prince charming” for the most romantic
love story of all time. This would surely heal my
broken heart.
When I returned to Israel, I studied Spanish. I also
met Dan, my true “prince charming.” Twelve months
later, in Venezia, on December 21st, he proposed to
me. We are happily married. My love for him and the
joy we share in life are my biggest inspiration.
While searching for a name for my dream art gallery,
I decided to brainstorm in the most romantic,
sensual language I knew—Spanish. When I failed
to come up with a glorious name that would convey
my passion, I did the most natural thing that a
frustrated person would do—I cursed. I blurted
out “La Galeria de…de Puta Madre!” which means
son of a bitch! Immediately, I understood what
an ingenious name I had just stumbled upon. In
Spanish slang, just like in Hebrew or English, the
phrase de puta madre is actually used to describe
were taboo, as were older guys. I was not allowed
to wear much make-up or miniskirts. To this day, I
do not know how to ride a bike!
In contrast, Eilat was the land of freedom.
My father was very preoccupied with the hotel
business, and in Eilat, I could do whatever I
wanted! By the age of 11, I was an expert pool
player. Guys of all ages, from all over the world
would stand in line to challenge me to a game
of billiards; I made a fortune winning bets.
Challengers lost their money, prized jewelry,
and other important possessions to me. The funny
thing is, they didn't seem to care! They took the
wager to watch a preteen pool shark kick their
butts. It was amazing entertainment!
Games
Surrounding the pool tables in the hotel game
room, were all types of video games. Back then,
there were no personal computers, PlayStations
or Xboxes. We had authentic console games, games
with character and soul. For one token, if you were
good, you could play for hours. Those games are a
big inspiration to me. I loved painting the PacMan game (Gluttony) and my favorite, and coolest
painting is Wonder Boy! Game addicts like me can
practically hear the music playing while gazing
at that art piece. My exhibition “4 Play” takes
you back to all the nostalgic games, like puzzles,
mazes, and classic video games.
Music
In my father’s hotel, there was a night club Shulamit Gardens Disco, the most famous disco
in the country. Having the freedom to do whatever
we wanted, my sisters and I used to stay up late,
wake up at 2:00 in the afternoon, meet boys, dress
in sexy outfits, go out late at night, and play all
kinds of tricks on people.
something very good or extremely cool. Such is
my art. In addition, selecting this name for my
gallery is my way of making a statement about art
galleries that do not give talented, independent
artists the recognition and opportunity they
deserve. La Galeria De Puta Madre, in all its
glory, is a tribute to artists who pursue their
personal artistic goals on their own terms, their
own way, regardless of the external obstacles and
skepticism.
My Childhood
My favorite place in the world is Eilat, Israel.
When I was a child, my family owned a hotel chain
called Shulamit Gardens. The hotel in Eilat was and
still is the place I hold dearest in my heart. Every
holiday and on occasional weekends, my family and
I would vacation in Eilat. I love hotels. I love the
little things, like clean, pressed sheets every
day, room service, the pool, and casually sipping
drinks in the lobby. I love the big things too—like
the joy and pride of being the owner’s daughter.
Most of all, to me, Eilat means independence.
Ironically, I grew up in a very overprotective,
conservative family. My father, who was a
domineering figure, made the life of this free
spirit a living hell. For instance, I was not allowed
to go on school trips or to friends’ sleepovers.
I was not permitted to walk to school by myself
or ride a bus; locking my door was forbidden, and
curfews were commonplace limitations. Strangers
Every night, my sister Shelly and I would sneak
into the disco—we’d pass through the dishwashing
room and through the club bar and end up on
the disco dance floor. It was the 80s, with the
greatest music of all time. The DJ was god-like,
the music played on real vinyl records, and the
crowd danced to pop music, new wave, disco, and
hard rock. Songs like Alice Cooper's Poison, The
Wall by Pink Floyd, and Michael Jacksons' Billy
Jean rocked the stage. The light-up dance floor
flashed its colors, and mirrored walls reflected
the lights from the rotating strobes overhead.
People were drinking beer, tropical cocktails
with umbrellas, or simple gin and tonics. Those
were the times. Madonna was the only rock star,
Samantha Fox was sizzling with Touch Me, Depeche
Mode and Modern Talking were the bands, and Guns
& Roses' Paradise City was the highlight of the
evening. When my father entered the disco, the
security guys signaled the DJ, who gave us the cue
to hide in the ladies room. We only emerged from
our hiding place to our spot on the dance floor
when the DJ’s secret password was announced over
the microphone.
When I finally turned 16, the age at which I could
legally enter the disco, the hotel was destroyed by
an earthquake and had to be demolished. This tragedy
changed our lives forever. The new beautiful Grand
Plaza Hotel that my grandfather built in its place
didn't heal our hearts. Even though the new hotel
was never the same for us, we were still devastated
once again when it was sold to a large hotel chain.
All that was left were the memories and the music
that became an inspiration to me.
Fairy Tales, Cartoons & Comics Figures
As a child, I wanted to hear fairy tales over and
over again. Each time a story was reread, I was
charmed anew, just like the first time. The stories
of Cinderella, La Belle et La Bête (Beauty and the
Beast), The Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty
(that scared the living shit out of me) rocked my
world. I loved Snow White, which was a bit darker
and inspired the most by Le Petit Prince (The
Little Prince).
Even today, I love watching cartoons. The classic
characters, like Warner Brothers' star, Bugs Bunny,
and Disney's old Mickey Mouse will always be
timeless inspirations to me. I also adore adultoriented TV cartoons, like The Simpsons, Family
Guy, and South Park. The vivid colors, humor,
funny stories, and caricatures give me direction
and purpose. I enjoy side-show caricatures, such
as Stewie the homosexual baby, Brian the talking
dog, Terrance & Phillip—the cartoons that South
Park cartoons watch (how awesome!), Sideshow Bob,
and Crusty the Clown, who sells more products to
his fans than anyone else in show business.
I never miss an episode!
In my opinion, the best childhood TV shows were
Sesame Street, and, the most famous show of all
times, The Muppet Show. Elmo and Cookie Monster
share my bed with my husband and Happiness is
indeed my happiest painting. I also love Kermit
on LSD and Criticism. But, my favorite painting is
of Ernie and Bert smoking pot, called Back Stage.
My “PG-13” exhibition portrays all my nostalgic
childhood idols with my own personal humorous
interpretation.
I was always influenced by comics heroes,
especially Marvel's. My dream was to be like
Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter was my idol. I grew
up on Spiderman, Batman, and Superman as well,
but Wonder Woman will always be my favorite
super hero, mainly because she is a woman. But, I
also love her sexy outfit, long hair, and special
powers. I can honestly say that I'm a bit like her,
only better; I have the looks, the body, the long
hair and I'm known for my sexy sense of fashion.
I drive a “Batmobile,“ which makes me feel like
Catwoman. I live in a modern-day castle, like a
princess, married to a real “prince charming,” and
have two witchy sisters (seriously!) to complete
the fairy tale. Moreover, I drive everyone crazy
to the point where they act like Looney Tunes
characters! I also have a special power, like a
real super hero—I can paint. As I said, “Arte es mi
vida y mi vida es arte!”
Fashion
I am fashion in all its glory! I love dressing up
and dressing à la mode. Vogue is my Bible. I am
inspired by fashion designers like Louis Vuitton,
Gucci, and Pucci, and love for their designs to
cover my tushy. I also tend to be ahead of fashion
trends and have my own style. Dressing up means
the world to me. I love clothes and shoes. The
colors, the fabrics, and the designs promote and
motivate my art.
As a teenager and a twenty-something, I used to
dress up in different costumes every day. I went
to law school dressed as a cowgirl, walked the
streets in a Little Mermaid outfit, and attended
family dinners as a Native American, a pirate,
and Cinderella. In my life, every day was Purim,
the Jewish dress-up holiday.
My love for fashion is expressed in my art,
first of all, in the chosen media. Almost all my
paintings are decorated with Swarovski crystals,
which originate from the bling-bling world of
fashion. Combining expensive Swarovski crystals
adds a touch of chic to my paintings and turns
them into haute couture. Secondly, the topics of
my art creations project my passion for fashion,
such as Vogue - Breakfast at Tiffany's and Vogue Top Model 007, starring Bar Refaeli, my personal
Wonder Woman (just like Marilyn Monroe by Andy
Warhol), Vintage Snow White, Betty Boop dressed
like a belly dancer in Dancing Queen, Louis Jeton,
and Chanel No. 5.
I also love to combine fashion with other
interesting topics. My most artistic shows that
use this creative union are the exhibitions
“Tarot - Haute Couture” and “Babushka Prêt-àPorter. ”In the “Tarot” exhibition, I combined the
spirituality of tarot cards with fashion. Each
piece presents its uniqueness and glamour. The
symbols in the tarot paintings are represented as
models on the Haute Couture runway. The messages
here are spiritualism versus materialism, art
with fashion, and the blending of past (the ancient
tarot), present (a modern art show), and future
(fortune telling). It is a wonderful journey into
the tarot world of fashion—embraced with my
unique edge and style—adding humor and
La Galeria de Puta Madre,
3 Ratsif Ha‫׳‬aliya Hashniya, Jaffa Port
a glamorous touch of chic. My colorful personal
world comes to life in each piece of art.
In the “Babushka” show, Russian nested dolls
are presented with various characteristics. The
Babushka represents the ideal woman, the symbol
of femininity. Babushkas have layers, just like
women have layers. Women are full of surprises;
there is constant rebirth. The babushka also
symbolizes the grandmother, who for me, always
served as a role model; the ultimate glamour
woman. In each painting, the babushka is wearing
a different costume, such as: Babushka Geisha,
Babushka Cleopatra, Babushka Snow White, or the
gothic Babushka Vampire. Although the babushka
is never nude, she manages to convey her sexiness
and uniqueness from within.
Hotels & Casinos
When I was a child, and when I was older, after we
had sold our family hotels, almost every July, the
whole extended family spent vacations together in
Monte Carlo, Monaco. We stayed at the Loews Hotel,
which became the Intercontinental Grand Hotel,
and is now called Fairmont. Le Cafe de Paris,
the French language (which I speak pretty well),
breakfasts at La Pistou, the expensive cars, the
beautiful women in the lobby (it turned out
they're “working girls”) and most of all, the
casino, are great inspirations to me.
I cherished that hotel almost as much as I loved
our hotel. I loved the wallpapered hallway walls;
I miss my room with the unforgettable sea view. I
adored the way the bedcover matched the lamp and
curtains. My favorite meal was a club sandwich
in the lobby; I took pleasure in watching the
gamblers play at the casino. Of course, to me, it
was a big celebration to be in a place in which I
could dress either like a princess or a porn star
(I look great either way).
I am also inspired by Las Vegas, the City of
Lights. The sound of the slot machines and the
look of those enormous amazing artistic hotels
make my heart skip a beat. To me, being in Las
Vegas is like living in an art creation—even more
than visiting the Louvre Museum (although I love
and appreciate it as well). In my “Paris - Las
Vegas” show, I present my passion for hotels and
casinos as well as my love for Monte Carlo, Paris,
and Las Vegas.
Perhaps my love for Monaco and Vegas hotels,
along with my childhood Eilat memories are the
reason I have chosen to live my adult life in
a hotel. I now live in the Daniel Hotel on the
Herzeliya shore. The sea drives my creativity.
Every morning, Dan and I take a walk on the beach.
In the summer, we wear only bathing suits and in
the winter, sweatsuits, coats, and hats. We tune
in to our iPods or just talk about life. Starting
the day with a walk on the beach is very relaxing
and gives me the motivation and energy to paint.
The painting on the cover of this book is called
Paris - Las Vegas. It represents all the elements
that inspire my art: the cities I love, hotels, my
childhood, Le Petit Prince, fairy tales, fashion,
and love.
Starting the book with a picture of Paris and
ending it with a picture of the city where “what
happens there stays there,” I would love to say
three things to you as you peruse my book: “Viva
Las Vegas,” “Elvis has left the building,” and
most importantly, “I Did It My Way!”
XXXOOOXX
Elior
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