"Women in Art: Polish Jewish Women Who Fought the Nazis"

During the Holocaust, there were a number of resistance movements with people who fought courageously and unrelentingly against the oppression of the Nazis. Among the ranks of these resisters were hundreds of Jewish women, some as young as sixteen years old, who risked torture, imprisonment, and death to save fellow Jews. They became couriers, medics, fighters, and saboteurs. In the end, some made it to safety, but many were captured or died in the process of trying to save others. The lives of these women remained largely untold until author Judy Batalion chronicled their remarkable lives in her book The Light of Days. Now, based on black and white photographs that have survived, artist Paula Blumenfeld is telling their stories visually, portraying in their faces their resolve, courage, selflessness, and dedication.

As part of the Museum’s celebration of Women’s History Month, Blumenfeld will be in conversation about her art with Dr. Irit Felsen, a clinical psychologist whose art has been featured in art exhibitions in Hamburg, London, and New Jersey.

Paula Blumenfeld lives and paints in the greater NYC area. She is fascinated by color and by the human body. Whether abstract or figurative, her paintings begin with the figure or its elements. She paints intimate figurative portraits, capturing the emotional state and inner strength of the subject. In addition, she creates abstract paintings which allow her to exclusively focus on composition and color.

Irit Felsen, PhDis a clinical psychologist specializing in the effects of trauma and traumatic loss, and the intergenerational transmission of both trauma and resiliencies in families of Holocaust survivors. Dr. Felsen is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and at Yeshiva University in New York City, co-chair of the Trauma Working Group in the NGO on Mental Health in the United Nations, and chair of the Older Adults Work Group in the Interdivision APA COVID-19 Task Force. She maintains a private practice in Englewood, New Jersey. Dr. Felsen’s research papers and book chapters have been published in peer reviewed publications. In addition, Dr. Felsen’s art has been featured in art exhibitions in Hamburg, London, and New Jersey.

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