Eva Hesse escaped Nazi Germany via the Kindertransport at the age of 3, and although she eventually reunited with her family, she was only 10 when she lost her mother to suicide. Eva went on to have a notable influence on the downtown New York art scene as a young artist in the 1960’s. This brilliant and beautiful painter-turned-sculptor created dynamic works of art informed by abstract expressionism, minimalism and commercial design practices.

Incorporating industrial and everyday materials, like rubber, wire, latex and fiberglass, into her sculptures, Eva redefined her medium and left an enduring mark on the art world. Though her career thrived, Eva still struggled with relationship issues and the double standards imposed on female artists in the art world. All too soon, Eva’s health began to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Based on Eva’s personal diaries, which she kept religiously until her death at age 34, this poetic and evocative film illuminates why Eva is celebrated as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century.

The guest speakers at this film presentation are Ivy Barsky, CEO and director of the National Museum of American Jewish History, and Helen Charash, Eva Hesse’s sister.

This film was an official selection of the Docaviv Film Festival, the Munich Film Festival, the Toronto Jewish Film Festival and the Washington Jewish Film Festival.

Buy tickets to “Eva Hesse” here.