Expo Chicago 2025

Rutger Brandt Gallery is proud to present a solo booth featuring the latest work of internationally renowned artist Yigal Ozeri.

Famed for his documentary-style, photorealistic paintings, Ozeri masterfully captures the essence of ‘Americana.’ His latest series centers on the American diner—an iconic institution deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the United States. Often found in the heart of the American backcountry, these diners serve as enduring symbols of sanctuary, comfort, nostalgia. More than just places to eat, they embody an egalitarian spirit, where people from all walks of life gather, sharing meals in a space that transcends social status.

Diners evoke the timelessness of the 1950s and 1960s, a period often romanticized as a golden age of American prosperity and simplicity. Serving classic comfort foods, they offer a sense of home, even in the most distant roadside locations. Their unpretentious nature provides a respite from the fast-paced modern world, blending nostalgia with contemporary relevance. Deeply ingrained in American pop culture, diners are closely associated with classic road movies, bikers, and long-haul truckers, further solidifying their place in the national imagination.

Ozeri’s paintings celebrate the diner’s retro allure, from its distinctive furniture to the glow of ambient lighting. Chrome accents reflect bursts of neon, bold streaks of color heighten the atmosphere, and vintage memorabilia infuse each scene with nostalgic charm. His sharp, intricate brushwork breathes life into these classic American spaces, preserving their cultural significance and aesthetic appeal.

Beyond their nostalgic imagery, these works embody the deeper ideals of the American Dream—freedom, opportunity, and belonging. For Ozeri, this theme is deeply personal, having immigrated to New York with his family in 1991, he has experienced firsthand the hopes and challenges that come with seeking a new beginning. In capturing the enduring and iconic American diner, he not only preserves a cherished piece of cultural history but also reflects on his own journey—one of belonging, transformation, and identity in an ever-changing America.