3 months ago
91
9
Posted On: April 12th 2026, 06:26 am
I discovered Ben Shahn
(American, born
Lithuania 1898–1969)
in a charity shop in Keighley.
He once said, “I paint two things: what I love and what I abhor.”
The artist had a deep affection for American workers, immigrants, and disenfranchised communities, and often expressed an abhorrence for injustice and oppression. Shahn was himself an immigrant: his family was forced to flee Lithuania after his father was exiled to Siberia for alleged revolutionary activities in 1902, and the family resettled in Brooklyn, New York. Even when Shahn was a young artist working in the 1930s, his art already exemplified a Social Realiststyle, depicting scenes of American life that commented on political corruption and the societal woes of the day.
(American, born
Lithuania 1898–1969)
in a charity shop in Keighley.
He once said, “I paint two things: what I love and what I abhor.”
The artist had a deep affection for American workers, immigrants, and disenfranchised communities, and often expressed an abhorrence for injustice and oppression. Shahn was himself an immigrant: his family was forced to flee Lithuania after his father was exiled to Siberia for alleged revolutionary activities in 1902, and the family resettled in Brooklyn, New York. Even when Shahn was a young artist working in the 1930s, his art already exemplified a Social Realiststyle, depicting scenes of American life that commented on political corruption and the societal woes of the day.
Comments (9)
3 months agooldhamjaz
I love these Laura! Thanks for sharing. I’m going to look him up. The things you find in charity shops. I recently bought a print because I wanted a big frame but discovered it was a signed limited edition and was worth way more than I paid for it. I’ve kept it intact of course 😂
3 months agohelen.brayshaw.studio
I love these Laura! I’ve just discovered Budwin Conn in an antiques store in Clitheroe: American artist, lived in Italy, England, and Spain 1927 - 2007
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