Shana: My Muse/Assemblage Works by Alexandra Zizmor

On View October 13, 2009–January 10, 2010

Shana: My Muse/Assemblage Works by Alexandra Zizmor features the mixed media works of Riverdale resident Alexandra Zizmor. Using paint, ink, collage, and found objects, the artist depicts a naively rendered Great Dane performing various activities in a minimal stage-like setting. These whimsical assemblages reference the modern art masters, fashion styles, and leisure time activities. Yet, a dead fly strategically placed on each work suggests a vanitas theme, as does the black knobbed frames, alluding to the Northern Renaissance painting tradition.

Zizmor’s chosen subject, her Great Dane, Shana, reflects the artist’s belief that of all animals, dogs most closely resemble their human counterparts in behaviors and attitude. She writes that she “draws inspiration from the spirit and joie de vivre of my Great Dane, Shana,” and that the personification of dogs grows more important “in an increasingly alienated society.”  Zizmor holds an M.A. in Connoisseurship of Twentieth Century Art from Christie’s. She is a self-taught artist who has been influenced by art brut, or outsider art. Her work reflects the blithe spirit she sees in her Great Dane, imbuing her pictures with a fanciful and lighthearted quality.

As a member of the American Association of Museums, The Hebrew Home at Riverdale is  committed to publicly exhibiting its art collection throughout its 32-acre campus including the Derfner Judaica Museum and a sculpture garden overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. The Derfner Judaica Museum + The Art Collection provide educational and cultural programming for residents of the Hebrew Home, their families and the general public from throughout New York City, its surrounding suburbs and visitors from elsewhere. The Home is a nonprofit, non-sectarian geriatric organization serving more than 11,000 elderly persons in greater New York through its resources and community service programs. Museum hours: Sunday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Art Collection and grounds open daily, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call 718 581-1596 for holiday hours and to schedule group tours, or for further information please visit our website at http://www.hebrewhome.org/art

This exhibition is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.