Life and Art of Anne Eisner (1911-1967): An American Artist between Cultures

Anne Eisner was a painter and anthropological observer who lived between cultures, from New York to the Ituri Forest in the ex-Belgian Congo. Her focus on cultural and aesthetic values, belief in freedom and equality, and her ability to express joy in creativity made her a unique perspective in the colonial context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Officina Libraria

In this captivating biography, the artist Anne Eisner emerges as a remarkable figure of unparalleled originality. Through the heroic and feminist lens of Christie McDonald, Eisner is reclaimed as both an artist and a vital anthropological observer of her era.

- Rosanna Warren, author of Max Jacob: A Life in Art and Letters.

Spanning her life and artistic journey across cultures, this biography delves into the life and art of Anne Eisner. From her early years in New York to her time living at the edge of the Ituri Forest in the ex-Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), and finally her return to New York, Eisner's story unfolds.

Growing up in the 1930s and 1940s, Eisner witnessed the tumultuous struggle among artists and intellectuals to combat fascism and strive for a better world. Deciding to leave behind a successful career as a painter, she embarked on a journey alongside anthropologist Patrick Putnam, whom she fell deeply in love with. Together, they joined the multi-cultural community of Epulu, where Eisner's unique perspective as an American woman and artist shone through.

Her unwavering focus on cultural and aesthetic values, coupled with her belief in freedom and equality, brought an eccentric twist to the colonial context. Unexpected challenges tested her resilience as she agreed to marry under unfamiliar circumstances, became a mother, welcomed researchers and tourists, and cared for Putnam during his tragic decline. Through it all, her art remained a steadfast discipline, providing her with solace and a means of expressing joy in creativity. The beauty of her art serves as a testament to its transformative power.

This biography offers a profound exploration of Anne Eisner's life and art, shedding light on her remarkable journey and the enduring impact she left on the world.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 172 x 245 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788833671000