In 1955, a group of Philadelphia painters, architects, musicians, and dancers organized a series of exhibitions and public forums across the city, presenting their work as a catalyst for vigorous public dialogue about the role of art and science in the postwar era. Group ’55, as they came to be known, was led by the artist Sam Feinstein. Their public forums included architect Louis Kahn, composer George Rochberg, and painters Charles Bechtle, Quita Brodhead, Michael Ciliberti, Sam Freid, Sanford Greenberg, Raymond Hendler, Frances Lachman, Sam Martin, Patricia Mangione, Jane Piper, Doris Staffel, and many others.
The following films were made for and about this show:
“Sam Feinstein, Group ‘55, and Midcentury Abstraction in Philadelphia” is an introduction to the Woodmere Art Museum exhibits held in 2020-2021, which featured the art of Sam Feinstein both individually and as leader of Group ’55.
“On Feinstein: Artist’s Talk with Kassem Amoudi” Join artist Kassem Amoudi for a talk on the art of Sam Feinstein. Kassem will explore Feinstein’s paintings from an artist’s point of view, delving into his artistic voice, the influence of Hans Hofmann, and his passion for color and abstraction.
“Group ’55 Closing Reception” Presenters: Bill Valerio, Woodmere Director & CEO; Patricia Stark Feinstein, Curator of the Samuel L. Feinstein Trust; Barbara Wolanin, PhD, Curator of the Group ‘55 exhibition; Kassem Amoudi, Artist Recorded on May 6, 2021.