Berman, Sarah

Sarah Berman (1895–1957) was a Ukrainian American self-taught Naïve artist and primitive Social Realist whose career began in New York City during the late 1910’s and remained active until her death in 1957. Sarah's works are notable for her primitive human fantasy scenes along with her depictions of social realism and illustrative political commentary. Berman's greatest works are those that showcase the different, naïve social fantasy she was capable of articulating. Although her works are in many museums, Sarah Berman chose to never sell a piece of art. “It is not everyday that an art exhibition starts all the strings humming inside of you. But Sarah Berman’s show… does just that. Fluent, quick, expressive lines transform common place domesticity into something rare and glorious… she paints these people with a reverence and a love that is almost holy…it is a wonderful feeling. She never had an art lesson. She found her sanctuary in her Union Square studio, far from fellow artists. Her art grew into a religion… SO deep set, she forgets she rarely sells a picture. There is bliss within and without" as Elizabeth Sacartoff described in 1941 for The New York Times.