Anni Albers (American, b. Germany, 1899-1994)
Six Prayers, 1965-66
- Cotton, linen, bast and silver thread
- 73 1/4 x 117 in. (186.1 x 297.2 cm)
- The Jewish Museum, New York
- Gift of the Albert A. List Family, JM 149-72.1-6
- © 2003 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/ Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York
Not on view
Six Prayers
Six Prayers
- Describe what you see. For example, what kinds of patterns, shapes, colors, and textures do you see?
- What do the colors make you think of?
- What do you associate the rectangular shapes with?
- Notice the black-and-white patterns within each rectangle. Do they remind you of anything?
- What is your overall impression of this piece? What sort of mood or atmosphere does it
evoke?
FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION:
After giving students ample opportunity to examine this artwork, lead them in a discussion of related topics and themes:
- Anni Albers designed this piece as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. How do you interpret her work in this context?
- Albers called this work Six Prayers. What do you think is the significance of this title? What title would you give this work?
- Do you find this to be a fitting memorial? Do you find it meaningful? Why or why not? How does it compare with other memorials you have seen?
- What do you think is the purpose of a Holocaust memorial? To elicit an emotional response? To honor the victims? To educate the public? To provide the artist with a means of expression?
RESEARCH TOPICS / CONTENT CONNECTIONS:
- Holocaust Memorials
- Textiles
- Abstract Art
- Bauhaus