The Sexuality Spectrum
at the HUC-JIR
Museum in New York offers a groundbreaking exploration
of sexual orientation through the creativity of over fifty
contemporary artists. This exhibition explores a broad range
of subjects, including the evolving social and religious atti-
tudes toward sexuality; issues of alienation, marginalization,
and inclusion; the impact on the family, child-rearing, and
life stages; violence and persecution; AIDS/HIV; and the
influence of the LGBTQI community on the Jewish and larger
world. HUC-JIR’s Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation
and the Blaustein Center for Pastoral Counseling have guided
the development of this collaborative project. Faculty and
students have contributed essays reflective of their academic
disciplines for the catalog and are integrating the exhibition
into their teaching and research. Dr. Nancy Wiener, Director
of the Blaustein Center, is incorporating the show into
professional development programs in the area of pastoral
care. This exhibition exemplifies the College-Institute’s
and the Reform Movement’s shared commitment to free
and open inquiry, inclusivity and outreach, and advocacy
on behalf of human rights and the eradication of sexual
discrimination.
"
The works in this exhibition – disturbing, profound, enlightening, provocative, and beautiful — self-consciously point to and capture
the connection between aesthetics and morality that the great German Jewish neo-Kantian philosopher Hermann Cohen de ned as
the essence of great art. Cohen believed that art at its highest represents a human attempt of ethical aspiration — to construct and
represent the world as it ought to be. The common thread that unites all these works is a principled intent on the part of these artists
to employ art as a tool to create a messianic world of justice for all regardless of sexual orientation, family status, gender, or age.
Indeed, it is this self-evident ethical aspiration that marks this exhibition as so powerful, inspirational, and unique."
—
Rabbi David Ellenson, Ph.D.,
HUC-JIR President
Clockwise from top left:
Alfred J. Winn,
Akedah
,
black-and-white silver gelatin
print, 1995;
Archie Rand,
David’s Sorrow
,
acrylic on
canvas, 2002;
Dorit Jordan Dotan,
Ruth & Naomi
,
photograph, 2012;
Linda Soberman,
Empty Chairs
,
mixed media installation, 2012;
David Wander,
Come My Beloved
,
acrylic and ink on paper, 2010
A Publication of
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
FALL 2012
The
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
FLUSHING, NY
PERMIT NO. 1018
The Sexuality Spectrum
On view through June 28, 2013
HUC-JIR Museum
,
One West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012
Admission:
Free; Photo ID required for security
Group Tours and Information:
212-824-2298;
huc.edu/museums/ny/sexualityspectrum
Rabbi David Ellenson, Ph.D.,
President
Irwin Engelman,
Chairman, Board of Governors
Rabbi Michael Marmur,Ph.D.,
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jane F. Karlin, Ph.D.,
Vice President
for Institutional Advancement
Jean Bloch Rosensaft,
Editor; Assistant Vice
President for Communications and Public Affairs
Allison Glazer,
Assistant Editor;
National Public Affairs Coordinator
Design:
Dorit Tabak
TabakDesign.com
Photography:
Paul Colliton; Richard Lobell; Janine M. Spang; Marvin Steindler
The Chronicle
is published by the National Office of Public Affairs
huc.edu/chronicle
Brookdale Center, One West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012-1186
Presented by the Irma L. and Abram S. Croll Center for Jewish Learning and Culture,
with the support of George, z’’l, and Mildred Weissman.
