Naomi Blake, born Zisel Dum on November 16, 1924, in Mukacevo, Czechoslovakia (now Mukachevo, Ukraine), was a Holocaust survivor and a notable British sculptor known for her works symbolizing peace and reconciliation. Her life journey from surviving Auschwitz to becoming an influential artist is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of art.
Early Life and Holocaust Experience
Naomi Blake grew up in a Jewish family in Mukacevo, a town with a significant Jewish population. The Nazi occupation during World War II drastically changed her life. In 1944, at the age of 19, she was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp. She survived the horrors of Auschwitz and several other camps, including Plaszow, from where she was eventually liberated in 1945. The trauma and loss she experienced during the Holocaust deeply influenced her artistic vision and themes.
Post-War Life and Emigration to Britain
After the war, Naomi found refuge in a displaced persons camp before moving to Palestine. She lived there for several years, actively participating in the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization. In 1952, she emigrated to the United Kingdom, where she began her formal education in the arts.
Artistic Career
Blake studied at the Hornsey College of Art in London. Her artistic career took off in the 1960s, and she became known for her abstract and symbolic sculptures. Her works often depicted themes of peace, spirituality, and reconciliation, reflecting her own life experiences and hopes for the future. Blake's sculptures are characterized by their fluid, organic forms and are often imbued with a sense of movement and vitality.
Some of her notable works include:
- "Survivor": A sculpture that represents her survival from the Holocaust.
- "Tree of Life": Symbolizing renewal and continuity.
- "Freedom": Reflecting her longing for peace and human dignity.
Her sculptures have been exhibited widely and are part of several public and private collections. Some of her works are displayed in significant locations such as St. Paul's Cathedral, the Belsize Square Synagogue, and the National Memorial Arboretum in the UK.
Personal Life
In 1955, Naomi married Asher Blake, an architect. They had two children together. Throughout her life, Blake was actively involved in Holocaust education and Jewish community activities, using her art as a medium to convey messages of hope and remembrance.
Legacy and Death
Naomi Blake passed away on October 22, 2018, at the age of 93. Her legacy lives on through her sculptures, which continue to inspire and remind future generations of the importance of peace, reconciliation, and the enduring human spirit.
References
- "Naomi Blake: Survivor who turned to sculpture to express her yearning for peace," The Guardian, November 7, 2018. The Guardian
- "Naomi Blake," Ben Uri Gallery and Museum. Ben Uri Gallery
- "Naomi Blake: Artist and Holocaust Survivor," Jewish Chronicle, October 2018. Jewish Chronicle
Sources:
Royal British Society of Sculptors, 'Naomi Blake,' RBS Online Gallery, <http://www.rbs.org.uk/cgibin/r...; [accessed 16 February 2008]