Beyond Borders: The Art Of Siona Benjamin

Siona Benjamin has been making intricately detailed, transnational art with a feminist, Jewish, and political bent for almost two decades. Informing her artistic perspective is her distinct and unusual heritage. Benjamin is descended from the Bene Israel Jewish community whose lore dates them in Asia for 2000 years. In predominantly Muslim and Hindu India, she was educated at Catholic and Zoroastrian schools, and at home lived as an observant Jews. Since emigrating from Mumbai to the United States in 1986, Benjamin has been pondering the meaning of belonging in her adopted homeland from all five of her identity markers: South Asian, immigrant, American, woman and Jew. Immigration, gender, the concept of ‘home’, and the role of art in social change are explored through vibrantly hued paintings blending tradition with innovation and navigating feelings of inclusion and exclusion. Further reflecting current issues, Benjamin’s work considers and challenges perceptions about culture, race and religion, and in crossing boundaries and building bridges, she asks viewers to do the same.

Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm