Irma (A Drop of Life)

The Gift of Presence and Remembrance: „Irma”

The genesis of „Irma” is rooted in the tragic historical memory of Irma Andrie Jeannette Speelman, a Belgian-Jewish child born on June 18, 1930, in Wenduine, and murdered in Auschwitz-Birkenau in October 1942. Rather than reconstructing historical trauma, Marek Hausmann elevates her presence into a delicate, metaphysical act of quiet devotion.

The young protagonist holds a watering can, carefully tending to a small potted cactus. The cactus—thorny, resilient, yet vulnerable—stands as a profound metaphor for life persisting against all odds. Irma, whose own life was extinguished in childhood, becomes the eternal guardian of fragile existence.

Conceived with a deep humanitarian purpose and donated to the „Między Niebem a Ziemią” Foundation, the painting establishes a sacred dialogue across time: the memory of an innocent life lost to the Shoah is transformed into living compassion, providing warmth, dignity, and palliative support to terminally ill children. Through luminous amber tones, sensitive chiaroscuro, and expressive brushwork, the canvas radiates profound stillness and enduring grace.

Technical Specifications (EN)

• Title: Irma (A Drop of Life)

• Artist: Marek Hausmann

• Medium: Oil on linen canvas (layered technique, expressive brushwork, glazing)

• Dimensions: 60 × 80 cm (approx. 23.6 × 31.5 in)

• Year of Creation: 2026

• Signature: Hand-signed lower right (Hausmann)

• Authenticity: Accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity (COA) signed by the artist

• Purpose: Charity Auction for the „Między Niebem a Ziemią” Foundation (Artist’s donation in support of terminally and severely ill children)