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Yonia Fain (1913 - 2013): Tracing History
September 3 – December 16, 2024
Emily Lowe Gallery
Yonia Fain's artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his Jewish heritage, and the theme of displacement echoes prominently in his work. Having experienced the tumultuous events of the 20th century, including fleeing his home during World War II, Fain's art becomes a poignant reflection of the hardships he experienced during the Russian Revolution, the Nazi invasion of Poland, and World War II. His compositions often bear traces of this history and memories of those he encountered along the way.
Biography plays a crucial role in the story of the artist. Several European countries, followed by Japan and China, and much later Mexico and New York, served as both his home and refuge, adding layers to his rich blend of geographical inspirations. The fusion of Fain’s Jewish identity and the Yiddish language with the universal human experience of seeking refuge amplifies the emotional resonance of his art, offering viewers a glimpse into the layers of his personal narrative.
At once specific and universal, Fain’s paintings and drawings provide autobiographical representations of violence, grief, and the search for refuge while simultaneously conveying messages of survival and hope. The artist’s powerful visual storytelling and intimate glimpses into his life from those who knew him closely offer valuable insight in this retrospective, enriching our understanding of his impact as an artist, educator, and mentor.
View Interactive PDF of Exhibition Catalog
The Hofstra University Museum of Art’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
Press Release: Museum Celebrates the Artistry of Yonia Fain
HUMA in the News: Yonia Fain’s journey: A vision of the power of the human spirit
HUMA in the News: Artist, chemist, craftsman
Please click through this album to view photos from related programs.
Yonia Fain
(American, born Russia
[now Ukraine], 1913-2013)
Untitled, c. 1945-1955
Oil on board
21.75 x 16 in.
Hofstra University Museum of Art
Gift of the Estate of Yonia Fain HU2015.49
© Yonia Fain
Related Programs
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Opening Reception
Thursday, September 5, 2024
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Emily Lowe Gallery, Behind Emily Low Hall, South Campus
Join us in celebrating the opening of the exhibition Yonia Fain (1913 – 2013): Tracing History
Light refreshments will be served.
Admission is free.
RSVP to 516-463-5672
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Arboretum and Outdoor Sculpture Tour
Branching Out: A Tree and Sculpture Tour
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 (weather permitting)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Participation is capped at 40 guests.
Join Michael Runkel, Director of Grounds, and Amy Solomon, Director of Education for a campus tour.
The nationally accredited Hofstra University Museum of Art, along with Hofstra University, maintains one of the largest private collections of public art in the New York metropolitan region. The University’s 244-acre campus, a nationally recognized arboretum, serves as an exhibition space for 75 works of sculpture, including those by major 20th-century artists.
Tour will begin at the Emily Lowe Gallery, Behind Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
Admission is free.
RSVP to 516-463-5672
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Exhibition Tour
Yonia Fain (1913-2013): Tracing History
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Emily Lowe Gallery, Behind Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
Join Museum Director Sasha Giordano, for a talk about the current exhibition, which will explore Fain’s powerful drawings, paintings, and collection of ephemera, which explore themes of memory, loss, and hope. Through a carefully curated selection of works, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Fain’s artistic journey and the historical contexts that shaped his work.
Admission is free.
RSVP to 516-463-5672
Gallery Location and Hours
Emily Lowe Gallery
Behind Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.