To Whom It May Concern
Not so long ago while visiting the museum, I paid attention to the paintings by Peter Blume, the world-known artist born in Belarus. I was extremely disappointed that the museum shields attribute him as “the Russian” or “the Russian / American artist”. It is not true.
Peter Blume (October 27, 1906 - November 30, 1992) is a famous American artist and sculptor of Belarusian origin. Blume was born in Belarus, in the town of Smarhoń, where his ancestors lived for generations.
Peter Blume comes from a Jewish family that immigrated to New York in 1912. At that time, the future artist was 6 years old. Some of his works reflected impressions of the early years of childhood. He completed his schooling overseas and studied art at the Educational Alliance and the Beaux-Arts Institute of Design.
Peter Blum gained fame already in the 1930s. In his early works, the artist tried to find his images in the symbolism of the industrial world. In 1948, the artist was elected to the National Academy of Design as an associate member, and in 1956 he became an executive member.
Blume's work often depicted destruction and restoration at the same time. The Rock (1944–1948), now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, has been interpreted by viewers as a symbol of recovery after World War II. Recollection of the Flood, (1969) depicts the victims of the 1966 flood of the Arno River in Florence, together with local restorers at work. A large part of Blume's work is represented by his sculptures.
The Belarusian roots of Peter Blume still need to be studied. Together with the impact the early years spent in his homeland made on his work. But the fact remains very meaningful: the artist was born in Belarus, in a local Jewish family, in the Belarusian town of Smarhoń he spent his childhood.
I hope that in some time the works by Peter Blume in the museum and many other museums globally will be appropriately identified.
I will be glad to receive an answer to my proposal.
Sincerely yours,
імя, прозвішча