Nir Hod
Delving Into the Duality of Human Nature
by Victoria Looseleaf
New York-based Nir Hod – who delves into the duality of human nature as subject matter for his paintings that are achieved through color palettes and relaxed brushwork, and has had solo exhibitions in the United States, as well as having been in numerous group exhibitions here and abroad – plumbs his own psychological depths only to discover what makes him love work and life.
What historical art figure would you like to have lunch with and why? Of course, it would be Leonardo da Vinci— the figure who profoundly changed my life. Through my high school studies of the Renaissance, I discovered my passion for art and realized that I wanted to become an artist. His genius captivated my mind and imagination, igniting in me a deep sense of curiosity, individuality, and inspiration. And if possible, I’d love for Picasso to join us for dessert.
What did you purchase with the proceeds from your first sale? I bought my mother a gold Omegawatch that she had wanted for years. When I did it, I couldn’t tell what was more exciting — selling a painting or buying a watch for [my] mom.
What words or phrases do you overuse? “It’s amazing …”
How do you know when a work is finished? There are paintings where you just know they’re absolutely finished. You can always add more, and there’s always something else you could do, but it’s a feeling. It’s instinct, an inner sense that tells you to stop and that the painting is complete. Sometimes you realize it’s never truly finished, just like many things in life, but you stop because you know there comes a point when it has to end. When I finish a painting, I listen to music I love, and if it resonates with me—if it fits the mood—I know it’s done. The day before yesterday, I listened to two songs by Lana Del Rey.
When and where were you happiest? I’m not really looking for happiness, it’s complicated. I’m looking for things to be interesting, and then, when it is interesting, we end up wanting to be happy. I guess it’s complicated to understand simplicity and happiness.
What is your most treasured possession? My house, my art, the imagination, my family.
Where is your ideal escape destination? The Red Sea in the Sinai Desert is one of the most magical places in the world. Something in me changes every time I return from there.
What’s the worst survival job you’ve ever had? Fortunately, I managed to sell my paintings since I was a student, but I once worked at a pizzeria, it was a disaster and a complete waste of time. The one good thing that came out of it was that I learned how to make pizza, which is one of the things I love most.
What TV series from your youth best describes your approach to life? In the 1980s in Israel, there was only one TV channel, and the whole country would sit together in front of the television, so everyone was watching the same thing — the ratings were essentially 100%. The first series I truly followed was Dynasty. I remember eagerly waiting each week to watch a new episode with my parents in the living room. I don’t believe the show influenced me deeply at the time, but it did give me, in a very naive way, some tools to understand relationships, power, beauty, and even desire. I have a lot of respect for American television from the 1980s, all of Israel grew up on those iconic shows.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? It would be envy, lust and pride.
What is your most treasured memory? This is a memory of my grandmother, to whom I was very close. As a young girl, she survived the Holocaust on her own in a death camp, Auschwitz. Throughout my childhood and youth, I drew from her endless stories and knowledge about those terrible, dark years. Eighteen years ago, when I visited my country before returning to New York, I went to see her and for some reason, I knew, I felt that it would be the last time I would hug her and see her.
What makes you smile? When I hear my son’s voice.
What makes you cry? The pain or suffering of children has always been the hardest thing for me. From a young age, whether in movies, books, or especially in real life, it immediately brings tears to my eyes.
What is your go-to drink when you toast to a sale? I don’t really go out drinking when one of my paintings sells. Usually, I just kiss my fingers and move on… but if I do drink it’s either red wine or a Negroni.
After an all-nighter, what’s your breakfast of champions? It would be shakshuka with a thick, spicy tomato sauce, served with Italian rustic bread and, of course, an açai smoothie.
Who inspires you? That’s such a big question. I find inspiration everywhere, all the time — it’s all around us. My parents, Pink Floyd, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Michelangelo, Steve Jobs, Amelia Earhart.
What’s your best quality? It depends on when you ask, but for today, I would say honesty and sense of humor.
What’s your biggest flaw? I don’t think I fully appreciate what I have, and most of the time, I tend to see the glass as half empty. I still can’t decide if I want to be deep in a shallow way or shallow in a deep way.
What is your current state of mind? Once everything was much better even the future.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? The fact that I go to my studio every day and do what I want, what I love, is a gift, a privilege, a kind of magic, an achievement.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be? The truth is, I wouldn’t want to be in anyone else’s shoes or life (well some maybe for a night or two). If I could, I’d ask for my life again and start everything from the beginning. A hundred years isn’t enough, it’s too short to truly appreciate the beauty and joy of life.