The Nazi persecution that preceded the Holocaust had a profound and enduring effect even on those who managed to escape the worst of the tragedy.

"Hannelore Baron: Works from 1969 to 1987," currently on display in the Art Building Gallery, presents the work of one woman who not only suffered from memories of her time in Germany, but who also later battled cancer and periodic depression.

This exhibit presents a number of collages and box assemblages created by Baron as a means of self-expression.

Baron's first collages, made in 1960, were created with ink, watercolor and torn paper. Later, she began to incorporate more monoprints, cloth and etchings into her work. She made her first box assemblages in 1968.

All of the materials used in her work seem carefully selected and have symbolic meaning. Each collage is expressive and reflects Baron's innermost feelings.

For example, many of her works contain pieces of flags. As a survivor of Nazi oppression, Baron seems to be opposed to radical nationalism.

Baron once said of her work, "The materials I use in the box constructions and cloth collages are gathered with great care. The reason I use old cloth and boxes is that the new material lacks the sentiment of the old, and seems too dry in an emotional sense."

Few of the works in the exhibit are titled, and thus are only identified by the date they were made.

Many of the works lack vibrant colors. Interestingly, Baron once confided that she used more color when she was depressed.

Each of these pieces, in their way, is visually pleasing. Many appear outwardly simple, but all have a deeper, abstract significance.

Her boxes, filled with various small trinkets, are especially interesting.

While these appear uncomplicated, one realizes the artist put much thought into the objects used in these works of art.

The mean of expression that these collages offered brought Baron solace by giving her a way to explore her feelings and ideas.

A self-taught artist, Baron was born in Dillingen, Germany, and experienced the beginning of the horrors of the Holocaust.

When only 12 years old, she witnessed the tragedy of Kristallnacht. The Nazis pillaged Jewish businesses, synagogues and even her house. She watched as her father was beaten by the Nazis with a hammer.

After moving around Europe, her family finally escaped to the United States in 1941, where they settled in the Bronx.

There, Baron completed her education at Straubenmuller Textile High School, studying applied design.

Baron died in 1987 after a long battle with cancer.

The Macalester Gallery is located in the core of the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center. Admission is free.

The gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri, and 12-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. For information on the exhibit, call (651)696-6416.