20th & 21st Century Jewish American Artists
ART12-5a-Thu2
Diane Winkelman
This course will take place virtually on Zoom. Participation in this course requires a device (ideally a computer or tablet, rather than a cell phone) with a camera and microphone in good working order and basic familiarity with using Zoom and accessing email.
March 13 - April 10
We will be looking together at works by 20th and 21st century Jewish women artists: Judy Chicago, Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin, Lee Krasner, Louise Nevelson, Arlene Schechet, Helene Aylon and many more. Some of the artists may be more familiar to participants than others.
These artists use visual language to respond to the challenges faced by Jewish immigrants, exploring questions of identity while connecting to Jewish heritage. Some also push against traditional norms with their feminism. Some of the themes we will cover in class include: identity and Judaism as female artists, biblical themes and the art and craft of ritual objects, and Jewish folklore and art. Does the religious practice of an artist influence their work? Do cultural and secular themes influence their art more than traditional religious subjects?
We will be looking at examples of art works that respond to each other whether through themes or materials. Some museum exhibits have displayed earlier works with works that have influenced later artists. We will try our hand at that approach via zoom.
The course will conclude with an optional field trip to a local museum.
Roughly the same amount of lecture and discussion.
Articles, videos, and artworks to view and discuss in class will be provided on a Google site.
Much of the art work will come from shows at the Jewish Museum in New York. The MET, MOMA and the Brooklyn Museum will also be sources. Some of the art work can be found in Boston area museums.
1 hour weekly.
Diane Winkelman is a retired speech language pathologist who grew up in Brooklyn. She spent many teenage years with friends, exploring New York City’s many museums. After moving to Boston, her art museum exploration expanded to Massachusetts and New England.
Diane has led several five week BOLLI courses that focus on the visual arts. She is eager to learn about Jewish Women Artists with fellow BOLLI members.