Shterna Goldbloom
Ich Bin Di Sitra Achra (I Am the Other)
March 4, 2020 – July 3, 2020
The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute is proud to present “Ich Bin Di Sitra Achra (I Am the Other)” by Shterna Goldbloom. Goldbloom’s wistful photographic self-portraits bridge memories and experiences of the artist’s own Hasidic upbringing, with historical and invented personae. As the artist transforms herself in each composed image through dress, posture and setting, her photographs come together to present a singular but complicated expression of self as a queer Jewish woman.
Goldbloom reinterprets the Hasidic term “Sitra Achra,” used to describe things considered to be on the "other side" of holiness — like queers and women who don't fit traditional definitions of femininity. In “Ich Bin Di Sitra Achra (I Am the Other),” the artist presents the many faces that can exist between tradition and heresy. Her gesture before the camera makes these conflicting identities visible, giving agency to those who might otherwise be obscured.
Events
March 4, 2020
Hadassah-Brandeis Institute Artist Shterna Goldbloom discussed her work and process in "Ich Bin Di Sitra Achra (I Am the Other)."
May 3, 2020
As part of the Create@Brandeis Living Room Fest, Shterna Goldbloom led a workshop in fine-tuning your selfie techniques during these selfie-necessary times. Goldbloom talked about her self-portraits from her current exhibition “Ich Bin Di Sitra Achra (I Am the Other)” at the Kniznick Gallery through the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute Artist Program. The workshop covered angles, lighting, and playing with props.
Sponsored by the Arts Engagement team of the Division of Creative Arts, Brandeis University. Create@Brandeis Living Room Fest, May 1-3, 2020
May 27, 2020
WSRC Scholar, museum educator and art historian, Annie Storr led a virtual workshop in reflective looking using imagery from the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute exhibition "Ich Bin Di Sitra Achra (I am the Other)" by Shterna Goldbloom. Storr developed Exercises for the Quiet Eye (EQE) to encourage patient reflection and an attempt to avoid the rush to understand, or determine a set interpretation for what we see. Through a series of adapted exercises specifically formatted for virtual participation, the focus is to find new ways of experiencing art.