Human Rights Institute Gallery

Heroes of the Holocaust by Meryl Lettire

September 2 - December 8, 2025

Heroes of the Holocaust is a series of fabric assemblage portraits honoring stories of creative resilience during one of the darkest chapters in human history. These works pay tribute to artists who, despite enduring unimaginable hardship, found solace, strength, and voice through their art. After years of research into the lives of artists persecuted during the Holocaust, Lettire came to see their work not only as expressions of survival but as acts of resistance—powerful affirmations of their humanity.

Each portrait is constructed from layered textiles, drawing on the narrative traditions of African American quilting and the collage techniques of Romare Bearden. Lettire applied tiny pieces of fabric to the canvas like strokes of paint—each scrap chosen for its color, tone, and texture—blending together to form an expressionist whole. From a distance, the portraits resemble paintings; up close, they reveal the intricate detail and physical labor that mirror the endurance of the stories they represent.

Through these portraits, Lettire hopes viewers not only remember the individuals portrayed but also see themselves in these stories—and feel moved to resist hatred in all its forms. Let these works serve as both memorial and call to action: to preserve memory, to resist dehumanization, and to advocate for a more just and compassionate world.

Click here to join us for the grand opening on Thursday, September 18!