Artist-Alum Examines the Assimilation and Cultural Loss of Immigrants in New Exhibit

While researching her family’s connection to Germany and their history as German and American Jews, Denver artist Julia Rymer (BFA ’00) learned that loss of language and culture is common among American immigrants and their descendants. Now, like many children and grandchildren of immigrants, she is reclaiming her heritage—through art.

Her new exhibit at the University Libraries, “Hidden and Revealed: Mixed Media Paintings by Julia Rymer,” features a collection of mixed media works on paper and canvas that weave together historical and cultural discovery and loss; the relationship of language to cultural fluency; assimilation; Colorado history; and Jewish practices and texts.

“My work considers the timeless, universal concept of assimilation, which affects not just Colorado’s and Germany’s Jewish communities from which I descend, but other cultures that find themselves lost in the melting pot of American society,” Rymer notes in her exhibition statement.

In the creation of these works, Rymer uncovers both meaning and misunderstanding— reconciling the loss of tradition and culture through generations while reclaiming and reframing the value of ancient rituals, practices and other understandings of the world, says Madison Sussmann, exhibits librarian for the University Libraries.

Reproductions of materials from the University of Denver Beck Memorial Archives are incorporated in the works. 

“We always try to support local artists, especially ones coming from the Jewish community,” Sussman says.  “Our library has tight ties to [the community] because of our Beck Archives.” The archives, which are part of the Center for Judaic Studies, serve as a repository for Jewish cultural and historical heritage in the Rocky Mountain region.

An opening reception will be held on Sept. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a panel discussion, “Artistic Resonance: Blending History and Heritage in Art,” starting at 6 p.m. Panelists include DU art professor Deborah Howard, whose work centers around heritage and the Jewish experience, and David Fasman, curator of the Beck Archives.

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP by Sept. 17. 

The exhibit is now open and will run through Jan. 10 in the Anderson Academic Commons.