Artistic Witness – Teen's vision attests Holocaust story

Today Magazine Online

Mar 31, 2025

3 min read

Updated: Aug 20

• Artist Bears Witness to Holocaust Survivor’s Story

Originally published: March 22

This article has won an SPJ award and was first published in our monthly Today Magazine — the topic is timeless and relevant today

By Bebeann Oh

Special to Today Online and Today Magazine

Editor's Note — Avon High's Bebeann Oh painted a portrait of Abraham “Abby” Weiner that was unveiled at the dedication of a special library in his honor.

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The Abby Weiner Holocaust Memorial Library is a special section of the Library Media Center at Avon High School in Connecticut — following is the speech Bebeann gave at the library dedication ceremony.

• Cover Story on library – Post-Holocaust Hope: Honoring Shoah survivor

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As an active member of the UNICEF and Amnesty International club, I have been able to create an honorary memorial for Abby Weiner with the help of my mentor Maurice Casas, an artist from the Farmington Valley Arts Center.

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As an artist, I have always believed that art has the power, even greater than words, to connect people, tell stories and make change.

But it wasn’t until I had the honor of creating a portrait for Abby Weiner, a man who experienced unimaginable tragedy during one of the darkest periods in history, that I truly understood just how meaningful and inspiring art can be. Over the course of nine months, I have had the opportunity to dedicate my time to create this portrait.

I chose the medium of charcoal, in a monochrome palette. I believe that essence within the hues of black and white, stripping away color, allows the art to simply exist in a raw, honest form, focusing solely on Abby.

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As I drew, I found myself thinking about his experiences, about the horrors he witnessed, and about the resilience and courage he showed in the face of adversity. Over the hours I spent sketching and shading, I felt a sense of connection to Abby, despite never having the chance to meet him.

I felt that I was bearing witness to his story, and that as an artist, I was to honor his memory and give an everlasting voice to his experiences.

As I stand here today, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. This portrait possesses much more value than a simple piece of art.

I would like to thank you all for allowing me to share my experiences of creating this portrait of Abby. I hope that after this portrait reveal and this event tonight, you too will feel a connection to his story. +