Ben Shahn

“The clearest, most forceful statement on art by an artist of our time that I have read.” —Frank Getlein, New RepublicAn illustrated guide to artistic creation from one of the twentieth century’s most provocative and expressive painters. Can art be taught? For the celebrated activist-painter Ben Shahn, the answer was a qualified yes. Any would-be artist can take a few courses and dip their toes in the water. But a true education goes far beyond the classroom. The Shape of Content, compiled from Shahn’s 1956–1957 Norton Lectures, appeals for artists to break the confines of formal instruction. In wide-ranging reflections on art history, the problems of form, and his own career, Shahn conveys the stubborn determination required to move beyond dilettantism and toward an authentic voice. But he delivers no easy formulas. Critics celebrate artists’ seemingly effortless moments of inspiration, yet genuine achievement is always the fruit of prodigious labor. To the perennial questions of “What shall I paint?” and “How shall I paint it?” Shahn replies: Live and think and try. Read endlessly, develop and test opinions, and above all, don’t stop painting. A figurative realist in an age of high abstraction and an unabashed leftist at the height of the Cold War, Shahn was never quite at home in his own time. The accessibility and popularity of his work, and his sometimes-unfashionable humanism, made him a frequent target of critics during his life. And yet it is precisely these features that have since cemented Shahn as a giant of twentieth-century art. Today, his lectures offer potent lessons for anyone who shares his belief in the power of art to change minds and contest injustice.

""Portrait of the Artist as an American"" is a comprehensive biography of Ben Shahn, a celebrated American artist known for his social realism style. Written by authors Rodman and Seldman, the book takes readers through Shahn's life, from his early years as an immigrant in New York City to his rise to fame as a painter, photographer, and graphic artist. The book is filled with over 100 photographs and illustrations that showcase Shahn's work and provide a visual representation of his life and career. Through interviews with Shahn's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as extensive research, the authors paint a vivid portrait of the artist and his impact on American art. Readers will learn about Shahn's involvement in social justice causes, including his work as a muralist for the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. The book also explores Shahn's personal life, including his marriage to fellow artist Bernarda Bryson and his struggles with depression. Overall, ""Portrait of the Artist as an American"" is a fascinating look at the life and work of one of America's most influential artists. Whether you are a fan of Shahn's work or simply interested in the history of American art, this book is a must-read. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

The Biography Of A Painting is a book written by Ben Shahn that tells the story of an artwork from its creation to its eventual destruction. The painting in question is a mural that was commissioned by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression in the United States. Shahn, a renowned artist and social activist, was asked to create a mural for a post office in New Jersey, and this book chronicles the process of its creation, as well as its journey through time. The book starts with a detailed description of the mural's subject matter and the inspiration behind it. Shahn explains how he chose to depict the history of the town of Roosevelt, New Jersey, and its people, including farmers, factory workers, and African Americans. He also discusses the technical aspects of creating the mural, including the materials he used and the techniques he employed. As the book progresses, Shahn describes the controversy that surrounded the mural's unveiling. Some people were offended by the inclusion of African Americans in the painting, and there were calls to have it removed. Shahn discusses his own feelings about the controversy and how he responded to it. The final part of the book deals with the mural's eventual destruction. The post office where it was displayed was closed, and the building was eventually demolished. Shahn describes his disappointment at the loss of the painting and reflects on its significance as a work of art and a historical document. Overall, The Biography Of A Painting is a fascinating look at the life of a work of art and the social and political context in which it was created. Shahn's writing is engaging and insightful, and his passion for his subject matter is evident throughout the book. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of art and the social issues that have shaped it. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

In his 1956–57 Charles Eliot Norton Lectures, the Russian-born American painter Ben Shahn sets down his personal views of the relationship of the artist—painter, writer, composer—to his material, his craft, and his society. He talks of the creation of the work of art, the importance of the community, the problem of communication, and the critical theories governing the artist and his audience.