The show, which opens on Friday and runs until August 31, features 24 of Chagall's works originally published in 1960 by Paris-based publisher Tériade.
These illustrations focus on scenes from the Book of Genesis, known in Hebrew as Bereshit, offering a vibrant exploration of biblical narratives.
Marc Chagall, born Moishe Shagal in what is now Belarus in 1887, was a prominent Jewish artist whose works are noted for their rich symbolism and the fusion of literary elements with a folkloric flair.
He is recognized as one of the greatest modernist masters, known for his prolific output not just in painting but also graphic arts, stained glass design, architectural illustrations, set and costume design and more.
He began to create his series of biblical illustrations on his first visit to Israel in 1931.
Chagall died in France in 1985 at the age of 97.
The Chagall exhibition in Chełm is just one of several events planned during the Polish city's Jewish Culture Days, which aim to honor its historical Jewish community.
Other scheduled activities include a performance reading of poetry by Stanisław Betiuk, an exhibition of pre-World War II portraits by Adam Puławski at the Chełm Public Library, and a historical walking tour led by Zbigniew Lubaszewski, a local writer on Jewish heritage.
Attendees can also look forward to the The Haendel Variations film presentation, which explores the life of famed Polish-Jewish violinist Ida Haendel, who was born in Chełm.
The film's director, Katarzyna Christine Jezior, will discuss the making of the film and Haendel’s career.
Rounding out the event are workshops on baking traditional challah, a braided bread that is a staple of Jewish Sabbath meals.
These workshops, led by folk artist Michał Kowalik, will be paired with an exhibition entitled The Extraordinary Power of Bread: Ritual Breads in Folk Culture.
The Jewish Culture Days serve as a reminder of Chełm’s rich Jewish past, stretching back to the 13th century and featuring a vibrant community that was nearly destroyed during World War II.
Today’s events celebrate and preserve the memory of a culture that has been integral to the town’s history.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP