Siona Benjamin has been making intricately detailed, transnational art with a feminist, Jewish, and political bent for almost two decades. Her distinct and unusual heritage as a descendant of the Bene Israel Jewish community of India informs her artistic perspective. Immigration, gender, the concept of “home”, and the role of art in social change are explored through vibrantly hued paintings.

All in-person events below will take place at Mayerson Hall, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, 3101 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH. Livestream links will be provided upon registration.

EXHIBITION OPENING

Thursday, April 20 at 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm ET

5:30 pm ET | Reception (in-person only).
6:15 pm ET | Siona Benjamin takes us “Beyond Borders” with an illustrated talk about her artistic journey to this deeply personal and wide-ranging body of work. In-person and via Livestream.

Registration required.

SIONA BENJAMIN:
CROSSING BOUNDARIES AND BUILDING BRIDGES

Wednesday, May 31 at 7:00 pm ET
In-person and via Livestream

Dr. Samantha Baskind, Distinguished Professor of Art History at Cleveland State University and curator of this exhibition, will discuss how Siona Benjamin’s layered and multifaceted identity influences her artwork. Mingling styles derived from comic books, Pop Art, Bollywood, Indian and Persian miniatures, and Hebrew illuminated manuscripts, Benjamin blends tradition with innovation, while navigating feelings of inclusion and exclusion. Dr. Baskind is the author of five books and more than 100 articles, mainly on Jewish American art.

Registration required.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

Tuesday, July 11 at 10:30 pm ET

Join Skirball Museum curatorial consultant Abby Schwartz for a guided tour of the exhibition (in-person only).

Registration required.

CLOSING DAY

Sunday, July 30 at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET

Enjoy this final day to self-tour the exhibition (in-person only).

Programs are free and open to the public.