Twelve paintings from the series A ROOM WITH A VIEW
This series began in 1989 and is still in progress
The Egyptian hieroglyphics, English text and Arabic script in these paintings repeat common needs found in every guidebook for travelers --- food, shelter and communication. Each painting is a foreigner’s attempt at conversation.
A Room with a View version 1
oil on canvas 13 x 13”
Arabic text is a crude shopping list that includes apples, bananas, salt, pepper, cheese, sugar, cake and tea.
A Room with a View version 18
oil on canvas 12 x 12”
Arabic text reads: On the sea.
A Room with a View version 22
oil on canvas 16 x 18”
Arabic text reads: A room, a room facing the sea, with...
A Room with a View version 28
oil on canvas 15 x 13”
Both texts are obscured by overpainting.
Arabic text: A request for tea.
Egyptian hieroglyphics: Three symbols representing Drink, Desire, Laughingstock.
A Room with a View version 4
oil on canvas 27 x 22”
Arabic text reads: A single room, a room with a balcony, a room with a view facing the sea.
A Room with a View version 13
oil on canvas 20 x 15”
The Arabic text records two voices complaining simultaneously.
Voice 1: Where are the walls? Where is the bed? The wash basin is blocked.
Voice 2: This is not my laundry. This is not my laundry! Go away!
A Room with a View version 21
oil on canvas 14 x 10”
The Egyptian hieroglyphic represents rain.
A Room with a View version 5
oil on canvas 17 x 21”
Obscured Arabic text reads: whiskey.
A Room with a VIew version 23
oil on canvas 12 x 12”
The Arabic text reads: Hot night. A room with a view.
The Egyptian hieroglyphic represents water.
A Room with a View version 15
oil on canvas 12 x 12”
Arabic text reads: A room, a room with cherries, figs, raisins, pears, plums.
A Room with a View version 26
oil on canvas 17 x 19”
Arabic text reads: Hot night. A room with a balcony, a room with a view.
English text in a mirror reads: Facing the sea.
Conversation between the desk clerk and a guest signing the register in a small hotel in Ireland.
Clerk: “Sir, do you have a good memory for faces?”
Guest: “Yes, I think so. Why do you ask?”
Clerk: “Because there’s no mirror in your room.”
A Room with a View version 27
oil on canvas 11 x 13”
Arabic text reads: Plums, tea, tea, two word fragments, and wine.
© Paintings copyright Wayne Miller
