Raymond BREININ
1910–2000, Belarus/USA

Born in 1910 in Vitebsk, Belarus, Breinin became a student at age 7 of Uri Penn, the teacher of Marc Chagall. In 1922 the Breinin family fled the communists and came to the U.S., settling in Chicago. As a teenager Breinin, who was largely self-taught, spent many hours and days studying and absorbing the vast collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a muralist for the WPA during the Depression, Breinin was discovered by Edith Halpert, owner of the prestigious Downtown Gallery in New York City, where he exhibited in one-man and group shows for a period of 18 years. Painter, sculptor, craftsman, designer and teacher, he designed the sets and costumes for Anthony Tudor's ballet, "Undertow" for American Ballet Theater, did murals for the Ambassador East and Drake hotels in Chicago, designed two Chicago restaurants, taught at the Art Students League and National Academy of Design in New York City, and was artist in residence at the University of Minnesota and Southern Illinois University.

Described as a "romantic" and "mystical" painter, Breinin's works were hailed by critics, museums and collectors. During the latter part of the 20th century, when trends in art took a radical turn, Breinin stopped exhibiting but continued to pursue his own unique vision in paintings and sculptures, creating works of greater maturity and sophistication on an even grander scale.

Breinin always felt that "a work of art should take you somewhere." and that an artist's creation was a reflection of his spiritual values. We hope that your visit to this virtual exhibition of his work will take you on a pleasurable and rewarding journey.

Source: http://www.raymondbreinin.com/