Barbara Pollak-Lewis at The Ramp Gallery

Tiny Screams

My early subject matter addresses a mid-20th century sanitized sensibility of repression, conformity and unhappiness. By choosing to paint in limited, muted colors, I aim to recreate the feeling of faded advertisements. Much of this work is paired with text to emphasize the absurdity of the message.

My more recent “Scream” series is a personal reaction to our current political climate. Frustration, angst, sadness, and despair are subjects I explore extensively in my work.

In all my work, I explore the disconnect between the idea of perceived happiness vs. our current reality. In the 21st century, we are dealing with gender and racial inequality, environmental calamity and a lack of faith in our future. People are depicted screaming in reaction to an uncertain and dark future.

Listen to the artist talk about their work:

About Barbara Pollak-Lewis

I was raised in a small suburban town into a very traditional post-war “Mad Men” era family. My mom was a housewife and my dad a businessman who traveled extensively. Much of my subject matter addresses a mid-20th century sanitized sensibility of repression, conformity, and unhappiness.  

Since 1995 I have worked as an Illustrator, Designer, Author and Art Director for publishing and editorial clients including Penguin Putnam, The Gap, and the Washington Post.