The abstract painter David Ortins transforms seemingly plain compositions into nuanced, contemplative objects. Here, two interlaced Stars of David appear simple and benign, yet their placement, split over two panels, assumes a certain confrontational aspect, bursting out of the picture frame. The stars are smoothly painted, but the delicate, translucent beeswax surface is full of subtle imperfections and barely visible scars. “I am attracted to simple geometric forms,” the artist has said. “These can be universally recognizable signs or symbols at any point throughout history. Some are obscure (a bar or rectangle) while others are more personal (the Star of David).