Henry Newman


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Characterized by a unique style that blended common household objects with the art of collage, Henry Newman was innovative and versatile. He spent his childhood between New York City and Paris, which exposed him to the world of art. An ear infection left him hard-of-hearing. Though Newman gradually became deaf, he never learned to sign. He took speech therapy classes at the Lexington School for the Deaf in addition to attending public school. After he finished his education, he began a career as a textile designer, creating art in his free time. Newman saw his deafness as an artistic advantage because it gave him a good eye for visual perception. His art is difficult to classify due to the wide range of styles he used throughout his life; in addition to collage, he made linocuts, assemblages and paintings. He also celebrated Jewish history and identity through art, using Hebrew and Yiddish texts as an influence. In 1984, Newman retired to focus on his art. A stroke took away the function of the left side of his body four years later. He passed away in 1996 and is survived by his two children, Larry and Andy.