Current Exhibit
Living Under Water
Afterword by Lynne Avadenka
In the fall of 2018, Beit Venezia, the Home for Jewish Culture in Venice decided there was urgent need for an exploration of climate change as seen through a uniquely Jewish lens – and through the ability of artists to create powerful responses. Five international artists were invited to Venice: Meydad Eliyahu, Leora Wise, Lynne Avadenka, Ken Goldman and Andi Arnovitz. These artists explored our environmental woes through the portal of the city that sadly, best reflects this crisis—Venice. Ancient, breathtakingly beautiful Venice. A city once the home of a rich, Jewish culture, now faced with a dwindling Jewish population with a still vibrant and evocative Ghetto. A sinking city whose very existence is threatened by rising sea levels, tourists and time.
The five artists listened to rabbis, scholars and activists. Giuseppe Balzano and Shaul Bassi of Beit Venezia guided them through Jewish Venice. The artists visited the lagoon and worked in the renowned Venetian Scuola Internazionale di Grafica print shop. These creatives kept sketchbooks, and over an intense two week residency created a compelling body of work. A beautifully designed zine, comprised of essays, poetry and visual image was created as an accompanying teaching resource.
The resulting exhibition is one which compels us to think, act and respond. By experiencing these multi-disciplinary artistic explorations, the viewer can confront and synthesize this complex crisis.
This exhibit will be running until December 2024. Visitors are welcome during business hours: 9:30am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
