Tzelem: "Likeness and Presence in Jewish Art"

This project was produced in conjunction with LABA, the National Laboratory for New Jewish Culture at the 14 Street Y.

April 26 - May 17, 2009, Stanton Street Synagogue

The pioneering importance of this show was that it corralled, for the first time, a diverse, balanced and complete range of contemporary Judaic–influenced visual expression.

In the book of Genesis, God creates man using the word Tzelem, meaning likeness. And yet the Hebrew word Tzelem does not imply a visual correspondence. Rather it denotes intelligence, and is bound up with concepts of morality, language and a unique spiritual paradigm.

In reflection of this paradox, the Jewish Art Salon presented its premier exhibition with art by Salon members demonstrating a bold vision of contemporary Jewish Art and creativity.

The exhibition was at the Stanton Street Synagogue, a 96-year-old New York City historic landmark setting. Work by member–artists of the Salon was represented in a broad variety of styles and subject matter relating to culture, religion and philosophy.

Participating artists were:

Ita Aber, Siona Benjamin, Suzanne Benton, John Bradford, Shoshannah Brombacher, Lynda Caspe, Raphael Eisenberg, David Friedman, Tobi Kahn, Rachel Kanter, Tine Kindermann, Robert Kirschbaum, Diana Kurz, Richard McBee, Jill Nathanson, Mark Podwal, Archie Rand, Deborah Rosenthal, Susan Schwalb, Janet Shafner, Jack Silberman, Joel Silverstein, Adele Shtern, Mierle Laderman Ukeles, Yona Verwer, David Wander, Menachem Wecker and Laurie Wohl.