My America: Art from The Jewish Museum Collection, 1900-1955 – 05.08.2006

Judah L. Magnes Museum Presents the West Coast premier of My America: Art from The Jewish Museum Collection, 1900-1955, from Jun 5 through September 21, 2006.

Focusing on the first half of the 20th century, My America: Art from The Jewish Museum Collection, 1900-1955 explores the eclectic styles and subjects of American art during this time. The exhibition includes over 50 works – paintings, sculpture, photographs, and works on paper – by artists such as Adolph Gottlieb, Morris Louis, Robert Motherwell, Elie Nadelman, Larry Rivers, Mark Rothko, Ben Shahn, Aaron Siskind, Raphael Soyer, Alfred Stieglitz, Max Weber, and Weegee.

Many of the artists represented in My America introduced European avant-garde styles to America. Modernism was both a means by which to break away from specific cultural and religious backgrounds as well as a new mode by which to express their religious freedom. The social change happening across the globe played a major role in these artists’ lives. My America: Art from The Jewish Museum Collection, 1900-1955 explores many of these themes, and most importantly serves as the only Bay Area venue for this important exhibition.

My America was organized by The Jewish Museum, New York and curated by Karen Levitov, associate curator at The Jewish Museum.