The Jewish Museum presents the first U.S. retrospective in nearly half a century dedicated to social realist artist and activist, Ben Shahn (1898-1969). The exhibition examines the prolific and progressive artist's commitment to chronicling and confronting crucial issues of his era, spanning from the Great Depression to the Vietnam War, as well as his exploration of spirituality and Jewish texts. Featuring 175 artworks and objects from the 1930s to the 1960s, it draws its title from Ben Shahn's credo of "nonconformity," which the artist asserted as an indispensable precondition for both significant artist production and all great societal change. This philosophy is centered as the foundational thread that runs through the artist's oeuvre, which investigates issues such as unemployment, discrimination, authoritarianism, and threats to freedom of expression, while championing labor, civil, and human rights. Shahn's later spiritual work, which embraces the Hebrew language and biblical stories, also reflects his exploration of a tradtion of social justice activism within Jewish culture.

The group will gather in the museum lobby at 4:30 pm for check-in. Please allow adequate time prior for security check and coat room.

Sponsored by the Special Events Committee