Copyright: Ben Shahn,Fair Use
This untitled artwork by Ben, who was born in 1935, presents a rich tapestry of Jewish symbolism. The image creates meaning through visual codes such as the menorah and the shofar, and the Hebrew script at the top which connects us to the cultural and religious traditions of Judaism. Ben’s personal experiences, historical events, and the socio-political landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries might have influenced the artwork's creation. The artwork may serve as a reflection on the role of religion and social justice. It might also critique the contemporary institutions of art. To understand the cultural and historical forces in which Ben created this artwork, we can consult resources that are relevant to the history of the Jewish diaspora, the history of Jewish art, and studies of American art from the mid to late 20th century. The meaning of this art remains contingent on cultural and institutional contexts.
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