Philadelphia Museum of Art Commissions Work From Drew University Professor
Professor Stein's The Song Art piece
In January 2023 Professor Raymond Saá Stein recently created an artwork for the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s “Matisse in the 1930s” exhibit.
Stein was one of five contemporary artists selected by the Philadelphia Art Museum and Mural Arts Philadelphia panel to work on the project inspired by French artist Henri Matisse.
The artists had five weeks to create their individual pieces, which were then duplicated into large banners or vinyl subsequently placed on the streets of Philadelphia as murals, bringing the art museum into the larger community. “It was a very short timeline. I chose to do a work on paper consistent with the work I currently made in the studio,” explained Stein, whose piece was inspired by Matisse’s “The Song,” a 1938 mural commissioned by Nelson Rockefeller.
Professor Raymond Stein
“I hand painted paper with gouache and collage it together with the use of a sewing machine.” Stein particularly appreciated the public aspect of the project. “I’m a huge fan of art in public spaces. I love the concept of bringing art into the public realm. I think it is beneficial to the artist and also to the community. It changes the environment and cheers people up. I’m happy with the final project I think it looks great.”