In December 2022, I picked up my paintbrush and began a journey that felt so natural, like the idea had been waiting for its moment. Balancing full-time work with this passion project, I spent my spare moments painting and capturing my progress through photos.

The day before Yom HaShoah, something special happened. I posted an invite on my Facebook group, calling on people to join me in painting. On that meaningful day, five of us gathered around my dining room table, brushes in hand, while we listened to a recording of the testimony of Avraham, my father-in-law, who was in Auschwitz. It was moving; it meant something to each of us.

One woman felt so compelled to be part of this that she drove all the way from the north to join our little group. Two sisters in their early twenties, eager and enthusiastic, showed up. My friend, Tal, lent her brush to the cause, too. It was a quiet yet bonding experience, painting together while sharing those moments of reflection.

I posted about this beautiful experience the following day on Facebook. Unexpectedly, a school friend from Cape Town saw it and asked if she could share it with the local Jewish paper. Suddenly, my project was in the Cape Jewish Chronicle and the South African Jewish Report. That made me believe that this project wasn't just my crazy idea; others might be interested too.

Throughout 2023, I kept painting, usually on weekends and evenings. People, different every time, joined in for a couple of hours here and there. Sometimes friends, sometimes my daughters’ pals. I wrote about it on a local Facebook group, and two wonderful women responded. Since then, they've been regulars, enjoying the calming atmosphere amidst the chaos of sirens during these troubling times of conflict in Israel.

I spend my free time painting, mostly in gouache and watercolor. I take my sketchbook with me wherever I go and can often be found sketching in nature or painting a street scene with a cup of coffee. I find inspiration everywhere, and I like to translate the beauty I see into color and form – both in painting and digitally.

Guide to Painting Rectangles

• Choose Your Color 

  Choose colors that resonate with you and make you feel happy. The object of this artwork is to remember and celebrate their lives; not to focus on their deaths. Each rectangle is part of a larger mosaic that, when completed, forms a unified whole that represents the fabric of the Jewish communities that were wiped out. You can use muted colors, bright shades or even glittery, neon or metallic markers – just keep the sparkles in moderation!  

  
  

• Start Painting 

  Begin with one marker and carefully paint small rectangles in the area of your choice. Distribute your rectangles in a random, varied way, avoiding any repetitive patterns. The goal is to create a natural, organic look that reflects the individuality of human life, rather than a structured or mechanical appearance. 

  
  

  

• Maintain Precision 

  Try to paint each rectangle as clearly and on the lines as you can. Each rectangle should have 4 sharp corners and smooth, straight lines. Fill them in completely, without any background paper peeking through. This isn’t a race to finish quickly. Embrace your inner perfectionist – the final presentation should be neat, with each row and column clearly defined.

  
  

  

• Painting Magic Fix:

  Oops, did you accidentally create a wonky line? No worries! When that area is dry, paint the neighboring rectangle neatly with the color of your choice and the acrylic paint will create a new border – like magic!

  
  

  

  
  

• Painting Moves: 

  Move your hand from top to bottom and left to right across the page (just like writing) to avoid smudging any wet areas.

  

• Reflect as You Paint 

  The beauty of the Six Million Project lies in its depth, and this painting is about mindfulness. Take your time to connect to the moment. 

  
  

  

  
  

Why It Matters

By painting these rectangles, you are adding to a larger message — a reminder of the dangers of hatred and the importance of remembrance. This project serves as a visual reminder of the tragedy that befell the Jewish people during the Holocaust, while also acting as a testament to our enduring spirit of resilience today.

The Six Million Project often triggers a cascade of questions: Why is it hand-painted? Is there a grander vision that reveals itself when viewed from a distance? How are the colors chosen? Let's unravel the artistic side of the project. 

Hand-Painting

As a graphic designer, I could easily have created the project digitally. My deliberate choice of hand-painting (gouache on paper) is rooted in the human connection. Hand-painting isn't perfect, and each rectangle is unique. Each stroke on the canvas is a testament to the individuality of a person, capturing the essence of lost lives. The canvases mirror once-thriving Jewish communities with vibrant colors, memorializing six million individuals in a personal way. 

The painting process also emphasizes the meaning of numbers and time. Volunteers often exclaim that after two hours of painting, their overall impact on the canvas remains minimal.

Personally, it sparks me to contemplate the inverse: Did the SS encounter frustration when facing the monumental task of the Final Solution? Did they grapple with a sense of the impossible while cleansing Europe of its Jews? Their immense dedication of time and resources to this horrific endeavor fills me with profound anger and disgust.

Abstraction

The Six Million Project rejects specific representations, embracing the freedom and intuitive nature of abstract compositions. I paint spontaneously, with only a rough overall plan. Each piece emerges as a narrative waiting to be unraveled — a choreography of colors and shapes beckoning contemplation. The decision to sidestep gimmicky ideas (like seeing a bigger picture) allows us to see the beauty of the rectangles themselves and the way they are set off to complement each other.

Color Harmonies

In a world dominated by computer graphics, I seek the imperfect, the natural, the warm, and the organic forms that surround us. I choose colors intuitively. Each rectangle tells its own story, no one is more important than the other. Some are grouped by hue or shade, there are the occasional ‘twins’ or ‘triplets’, and some may form a ‘family’ or even 'village'. Colors unite, mirroring the unity found within diversity.  

Curiosity of the Process

The final installation will have 4 longs rows of 25 paintings each. One hundred framed pieces will fit together on one wall. As the journey unfolds, my artistic curiosity propels me. With four initial pieces laying the groundwork, the anticipation of the project's outcome continues to intrigue me. I wonder how my art will evolve and if it will eventually solidify into a recognizable style?

My Process - Listening and Learning

Immersing myself in the solemnity of The Six Million Project involves a unique process. While painting, I listen to audiobooks covering the Holocaust and World War II — both fiction and non-fiction. Testimonies of survivors and engaging with podcasts and webinars on the subject further channel my focus toward the individuals I am memorializing, one rectangle at a time.

Collaboration

Embarking on the monumental task of painting six million rectangles is a journey that unfolds over years – potentially stretching to decades at my current pace! From the project's inception, I've extended an open invitation to anyone with a love for painting (and with excellent eyesight to paint 2mm-wide rectangles) to partake in the painting process. For those who enjoy painting in the lines, it is a great way to relax, immersing in the solace of colors.

I encourage everyone who takes part in the project to choose their own colors: whatever makes them feel happy! As I have a wide range of gouaches, this is the fun part, and the colors picked by others adds to the spontaneity, sometimes creating a surprising “pop” of color that I wouldn’t necessarily have considered.

Israel War

Navigating through a time of collective trauma, The Six Million Project becomes a therapeutic reprieve. Amidst the ongoing war in Israel, this endeavor allows for a quiet yet purposeful engagement. As the nation grapples with the weight of atrocities and the constant fear and worry about hostages and loved ones, the project stands as a testament to Israel's resilience and the Jewish people's collective healing.

Conclusion

Through the interplay of color and form, we can pay homage to the unique essence of each lost life in these tapestries woven from the vibrant communities who were ruthlessly eradicated. These abstract compositions may serve as a conduit for reflection, understanding, and empathy.

“Early morning, October 7, as the sun is rising in the desert sky, Stars of David, they took your life, but they could not take your pride” – Bono, U2 lead singer and human rights activist

On October 7th, 2023, armed Hamas terrorists breached the Gaza security fence and launched a devastating massacre on southern Israel. Never have so many Jews been killed and butchered since the Holocaust. When asked by my followers how I would respond artistically to this distressing reality, I wasn’t sure how to connect the recent events to the Six Million Project. Numerically, Israel’s tragedy is dwarfed by the Holocaust, but in terms of the hostility, Hamas is on a par with the most sadistic Nazis. As we hold our breath for the hostages to come home, the focus of this painting is for those who have been killed and the families who are grieving their loss.

"Stars of David" emerged as a break-off from the Six Million Project. This new endeavor uses a new shape – triangles – to honor and remember all the Israelis and foreign nationals killed since October 7th. Looking at the page, numerous Stars of David become visible, representing both our Israeli flag and the Jewish faith. This artwork pays tribute to Bono's poignant acknowledgment that the deceased were likened to "Stars of David." Through the use of triangles, the artwork embodies a solemn reminder of the profound loss and enduring resilience of the affected communities.

While the Six Million Project remains focused on commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, the Stars of David project serves as a parallel reflection, highlighting the ongoing struggles for peace, remembrance, and resilience in the turmoil of these terrible times.

My commitment to remembrance extends beyond historical tragedies, acknowledging and paying tribute to the lives lost in recent events. Together, these projects aim to foster dialogue, empathy, and a collective resolve to strive for a world free from antisemitism, violence and intolerance.

Home is more than just a physical space; it embodies the very essence of our being. Home is the anchor of our lives, a sanctuary where we find refuge, warmth, and unconditional acceptance. Within its walls, we share laughter, tears, and the everyday moments that shape our lives. Home is the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the air, the familiar creak of a favorite chair, and the soft glow of a lamp illuminating cherished memories. Home is the comforting embrace after a long day, the laughter that echoes through its walls, and the haven where relationships are nurtured. Within its confines, we share stories, build memories, and create a sense of belonging that resonates deep within our hearts.

Yet, there are times in history that shatter our Homes, leaving behind scars that echo through time.

On October 7th, 2023, Home became a battleground in Israel. Thousands of blood-thirsty Hamas terrorists tore down the Gaza security fence and invaded southern Israel. Rockets rained down upon us, and a nightmare unfolded to our shock and disbelief. Jewish families hid in their homes near Gaza, silencing children, frantically seeking help that was slow in coming or brutally thwarted by swarms of euphoric murderers. Homes were set ablaze, women were violated, babies were butchered and families were torn apart. The very Home that represented security became the scene of unimaginable horror. 240 people were dragged from their Homes to be held hostage in Gaza. For the past month, they have been uprooted, and we are sick with worry and dread.

The horrors of October 7 bear a chilling resemblance to another dark chapter in human history — the Holocaust, when the entire Jewish population of Europe was the target of genocide. During those long years, Jewish Homes across Europe were invaded, families were torn apart, and Jews were sent to their deaths. The Jewish population had no Home, with no government to protect them, and pogroms like ours in Israel happened daily.

Unlike the tragic days of the Holocaust when we had no homeland or protection, today, Israel stands as a steadfast guardian of our people. With unwavering determination, the IDF is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens. Our brave soldiers in Gaza are filled with a sense of history and purpose to safeguard our Home against the threat of Hamas.

Let us free our hostages. Let us help to heal our wounded. Together, we mourn the lives lost, support the survivors, and condemn the hatred that led to these heinous crimes. May our collective resilience serve as a testament to the healing power of our Home, our testament to the enduring bonds of family, community and the values that define us.

In the aftermath of the horrors of October 7th, our nation rallies together to rebuild our Home. Israel possesses the power and resolve to building a better future by eradicating our enemies. Through the strength of our collective spirit and the protection provided by our homeland, we find the courage to heal, to rebuild, and to restore our Home, the heartbeat of our existence.

Join me in my Home, my lively and colorful space, to paint rectangles for the Six Million Project.

My name is Liora Blum, and I am an artist. As artists, we see the unseen and try to communicate and explore ideas through color and form.

As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I’ve always been obsessed with the Holocaust. I grew up with the number six million. It was always there, a part of my heritage. Six million was always an incomprehensible number for me but I needed to see it. I thought, if I painted six million brush strokes, what would they look like all packed together? That is how The Six Million Project was born.

I have embarked on a long and profound journey, one that seeks to shed light on the lives of six million Jews who perished – one of whom was my grandfather, Yenö Glazer, of blessed memory.

The Significance of Six Million

The number 6 million stands as a haunting reminder of the lives that were lost during the Holocaust. It's a number that transcends statistics, representing the immense human suffering, families torn apart, dreams extinguished, and a world forever changed. Yet, behind this staggering figure lies a collection of unique stories, each a testament to the individuality, resilience, and humanity of those who perished.

Art as a Vehicle for Remembrance

In times of reflection and remembrance, art possesses a unique power. It has the ability to transcend language barriers, evoke emotions, and connect us to the past in ways that words alone cannot. Through this art project, I aspire to utilize this power to bridge the gap between history and present-day understanding.

My Creative Process

I paint the rectangles at home with gouache on paper. I mark out a grid of lines in pencil, and each rectangle is hand-painted. I try my best to paint a smooth-edged rectangle, but no human is perfect and some come out shorter or thinner than others, some are bright and some look more transparent, some lines are more shaky and some corners are slightly rounded – just like human beings, no one is ever perfect. While I paint, I listen to audio-books about the Holocaust and documentaries about World War II.

If I paint the whole project myself, it will take me twenty years to complete! My goal is to reach out to people around the world who would like to take part in this journey.

Imagine joining hands, hearts, and brushes across the globe for this extraordinary art endeavor. This painting will come alive with 60,000 hand-painted pieces, each bearing the name and story of a precious soul.

These canvases have become portals through which I invite you to journey with me, experiencing the lives that once thrived, the struggles that were endured, and the strength that still echoes through time.

What to Expect

In the coming weeks, this blog will serve as a virtual gallery of thoughts, stories, and the progress of the project. I'll uncover individual narratives of survival, resilience, and tragedy. I'll aim to capture the essence of those stories, breathing life into individuals that history must not forget. I'll reflect on the importance of remembrance and how understanding the past can shape our collective future.

Join Me on This Journey

I invite you to be a part of this journey of exploration and remembrance. Engage with my posts, share your thoughts, and join me on this painting project. Together, let's honor the memory of the victims.

As I set forth on this path of understanding the number six million, I'm grateful for your presence here. Let's embark on a journey that transcends time, bridging gaps, and reminding us of our shared humanity. Stay tuned for the upcoming posts, where I'll delve into individual stories that deserve to be heard and remembered.