As Strong as Ezrah's Heart
signed and dated 2021 (lower right)
oil on canvas
60" x 48" (152 cm x 122 cm)
Accompanied by a certificate signed by the artistconfirming the authenticity of this lot



In this oil on canvas piece, we see a woman dressed in military fatigue, sitting on a typical swivel chair. Her face positioned slightly off to the side, while her eyes are seemingly fixed at a point beyond the viewer; alluding to her having a relatively distant disposition. This assumption is furthered by the fact that her shoes are seemingly mismatched, with her right foot adorning standard military-issued combat boots, while her left is fitted with something more indicative of everyday civilian wear. Though one can find humor in the work, a closer and more introspective look at the piece shows us how Helmuth has utilized her unique artistic practice to the realities of those enlisted in military service. Helmuth’s woman, although appearing to have a commanding visage, is visibly aloof or even distraught. One can only assume the mental exhaustion bubbling within the mind of the woman; a facet that is subtly but powerfully captured by Helmuth’s slightly off-kilter approach. (J.D.)