A peace of art from Israel

Looking down from our balcony, I had already decided to turn down any offers from whoever it was who had called on our door to peddle this or that. But the medium-sized young woman proved to be an adept seller, and soon it was revealed that what she had to sell wasn't the odd second-rate sketch crudely done, or another alarm that would relieve me of all concerns for the rest of perpetuity.

Suzanne, 23, presented herself as a young Israeli citizen touring Norway for an entire month, who like the other members of her team had brought not propaganda but specimens of art, oil paintings. These paintings have been created by both Jewish and Arabic artists that - as of yet - haven't made it into the major galleries around the world, simply because their works haven't achieved the prominence and estimated market value that attracts the attention of such art 'outlets'.

Never short of words, Suzanne kept presenting painting after painting, her obvious enthusiasm spurred on by my growing interest in what was by all standards really presentable works of art. Knowing I still hadn't landed my wife her annual birthday present, the conviction gradually formed in my head that this just might be it: why not purchase an oil painting. I knew already, of course, that we both share an interest in this field of human activity. although we're not among the most avid gallery-goers.

Cash came, finally, along with my wife, and for the rest of the hour that transpired between Suzanne's arrival and departure, we silently and vocally discussed which paintng would fit where in our house. Not foreign to abstract art, we finally settled for three fine quality works that will grace our walls on various floors. And they all came into our ownership at a very affordable price, indeed. All in all we paid 3000,- kroner for what seem to be a far cry from gingerly attempts at adding colours to canvas.

A peace of art? Well, these paintings may not substantially add to our sense of serenity and well-being, but they will certainly bring pleasure to the eye, and a certain sense of satisfaction that, indirectly, we have sponsored an attempt by Jews and Arabs to coexpress and coexist within and outside of a geographical setting where little peace is to be had at the moment.

I wish you all luck, Suzanne. And, please, ask me for tea instead of coffee next time. The coffee was a wee bit too strong, wasn't it?