Elizabeth Rynecki
Elizabeth Rynecki is the author of 'Chasing Portraits: A Great-Granddaughter's Quest for Her Lost Art Legacy,' a memoir that delves into her journey to recover the lost artworks of her great-grandfather, Moshe Rynecki, who perished in the Holocaust. Elizabeth's quest not only reconnects her with her family's past but also brings to light the broader issues of art restitution, memory, and historical justice.
Elizabeth has dedicated much of her life to documenting and sharing her great-grandfather's story and his art. Moshe Rynecki was a prolific Warsaw-based artist who created over 800 paintings and sculptures, many of which depicted the everyday lives of the Polish-Jewish community before World War II. After Moshe's death in the Holocaust, his artworks were scattered around the world, and Elizabeth's efforts have focused on tracking these pieces down and telling their stories.
Beyond her book, Elizabeth actively engages with audiences through her website, talks, and exhibitions. She also produced and directed a documentary film, also titled 'Chasing Portraits,' which further explores her family's history and the impact of her great-grandfather's art. Her work not only contributes to the field of Holocaust studies but also touches on themes of cultural preservation and the personal impacts of global events.