Sacred Spaces: the Mid-Century Synagogue Commissions of Samuel Wiener Jr

This is a gorgeous and inspiring coffee table book. Author Sara Wiener reveals - with stunning photographs - a distinct portfolio of her father's mid-century synagogue-commissioned stained glass windows and woolen tapestries. Samuel Wiener, Jr, a superbly talented artist who worked in many art media throughout his life, spent a decade (1954-1965) creating spectacular art for at least a dozen different synagogues in the northeastern and midwestern United States. These synagogues, designed by well-known mid-century modern architects, are de facto galleries for Samuel Wiener's art, displaying his magnificent use of color and design, and his original, abstract interpretations of Judaic themes. In the book's introduction and commentaries that accompany the photographs, author Sara Wiener, Samuel's daughter and a talented multi-media artist in her own right, helps us understand Sam's background and artistic influences and motivations. This book is both a due tribute to a distinctive artist and an act of family love and honor. Read more