Fordham Libraries, in collaboration with Fordham’s Center for Jewish Studies, is pleased to announce the opening of its latest exhibit, “Yearning to Breathe: The Art of Siona Benjamin,” set to debut in the Henry S. Miller Judaica Research Room.
Siona Benjamin, a Bene Israel Jewish artist originally from India and now residing in the United States, is renowned for her cross-cultural and transcultural artistry. Her work uniquely blends traditional and contemporary elements, fostering dialogue across diverse cultures. Raised in a multicultural environment—educated in Catholic and Zoroastrian institutions within a predominantly Hindu and Muslim society—Benjamin’s art reflects her lifelong contemplation of cultural intersections.
Her creations, deeply rooted in both personal history and current experience, feature vibrant imagery inspired by illuminated manuscripts and multicultural mythologies. Notably, her paintings often depict blue-skinned figures, which she views as symbolic self-portraits. These characters represent a timeless global identity, transcending prejudices and boundaries, and addressing both ancient and modern challenges.
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