Phoenix.

Oresman.jpg

Creator

Ben Shahn (1898–1969).

Title

Phoenix.

Date

1952.

Description

Screenprint in black with hand coloring, 30¾ x 22⅜ in. No. 84/100.

Ben Shahn was a visiting lecturer at Smith College when I was an undergraduate there. I was taken by his presence and his attitude about art as a statement of justice and humanity. He was selected for WPA projects and was commissioned to paint murals for numerous public and government buildings around the country. I chose to write my senior thesis about his public murals and was privileged to meet with him to discuss that work.

Shahn was drawn to religious and mythological subjects. The phoenix represents renewal and hope. The minute I saw this print I knew I had to own it. It was the first one I ever bought (on time) and was the start of my print collection. Phoenix has followed me around all these years and remains one of my special treasures.

Source

Janice Carlson Oresman