Mr. Robert Sandler's students recently visited the new Ben Shahn retrospective at the Jewish Museum, highlighting the work of the Lithuanian-born, Brooklyn-raised social-realist artist who used painting to confront injustice and blend political activism with a Jewish moral voice.
After a brief introduction, students explored the galleries independently—sketching works that caught their attention and writing short reflections on Shahn’s style, symbolism, and message.
AP U.S. History students focused on his depictions of the Depression, Sacco and Vanzetti, President Truman, Oppenheimer, the Warren Court, and the Civil Rights Movement, linking Shahn’s imagery to the themes of justice and democracy covered in class.
Jewish History students examined Shahn’s more Jewish-themed works, inspired by biblical stories, Jewish ethics, and aspects of his immigrant upbringing in Brooklyn.
The visit offered a creative and meaningful way for students to see how Shahn’s art illuminates both American history and Jewish experience. Pics of students and their artwork included! see a full size photo collage here. Read a NYT review here!
