Arnold Daghani

Early Life and Career

Arnold Daghani, born Arnold Korn to a Jewish family residing in Suczawa, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Suceava, Romania), on February 22nd, 1909, embarked upon an artistic journey marked by a fervent passion for visual arts. Despite lacking formal qualifications, he honed his skills through self-study in Munich and Paris during the 1920s, absorbing influences from prominent modernist movements. Following the eruption of World War II, Daghani experienced displacement and hardship, culminating in his imprisonment at Mykhailivka Labor Camp in Ukraine where he meticulously documented camp life—a poignant endeavor that yielded sketches and portraits capturing both the grim realities and fleeting moments of human connection amidst oppression. Postwar, he returned to Romania before relocating with his wife to Israel in 1958, traversing Europe – France, Switzerland – ultimately settling in England in 1977. His artistic endeavors were supported by the University of Sussex’s Arnold Daghani Collection, showcasing over 6,000 items including artworks and writings—a testament to his unwavering dedication to creative expression.

Artistic Style and Works

Daghani's distinctive artistic style fused elements of modern art with Eastern European Jewish folklore, resulting in compositions imbued with surrealist undertones that captivated viewers. His oeuvre encompassed a diverse range of mediums—watercolor paintings, etchings, and oil canvases—each reflecting his profound engagement with themes of spirituality, memory, and the human condition. Notable among his creations is “Bouquet with Flying Lovers,” an evocative depiction capturing ethereal beauty and contemplation—a hallmark of Daghani’s artistic vision. Furthermore, Ludwig Meidner's "Two Praying Jews" powerfully conveys religious devotion and communal identity. Hermann Struck’s etching “Tomb of Giovanni Segantini (1858-1899)” exemplifies exceptional technical skill and artistic sensitivity. Finally, Lene Schneider-Kainer’s watercolor “Persian Child” showcases meticulous detail and a captivating stylistic flair.

The Holocaust Experience

Daghani's formative years were irrevocably shaped by the horrors of the Holocaust. Forced into labor at Mykhailivka camp alongside countless other prisoners, he bravely documented his surroundings—a grim panorama of suffering—through sketches and diaries—acts of defiance against despair. These artistic endeavors served as a visceral record of the camp’s atmosphere and the faces of its inhabitants, offering invaluable insight into the psychological impact of persecution. His meticulous observations underscored the importance of preserving human experience amidst adversity.

Legacy and Recognition

Arnold Daghani's enduring legacy resides in his contribution to modern art—a testament to resilience and artistic integrity. Recognized for his prolific output and profound engagement with Jewish culture, he continues to inspire artists today. His work is housed in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Ben Uri Collection and the University of Sussex, ensuring that his artistic vision persists across generations. The University of Sussex’s Arnold Daghani Collection holds over 6,000 items—a comprehensive archive documenting his life's journey and creative output.

Publications

Arnold Daghani (trad. du roumain), La tombe est dans la cerisaie : Journal du camp de Mikhaïlovka (1942-1943), Paris, éditions Fario, coll. « Théodore Balmoral », novembre 2018, 232 p. (ISBN 979-10-91902-49-6, BNF 45636877) - Traduction de l'allemand et du roumain de Philippe Kellmer, revue, corrigée et annotée par Thierry Bouchard, préface de Marc Sagnol - Avant-propos de Philippe Kellmer - En annexe : Entretien entre Philippe Kellmer et Marc Sagnol.