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Eric Rhein
Chapter 30: The Blood
, 1997
Wire, paper
14"
x 11" x 1¾"
In this reliquary honoring friends lost to AIDS, Rhein
presents a technical diagram of the human body,
overlaid with fine wire work evoking the veins, arteries,
and capillaries that are the primary vessels transmitting
blood and HIV infection. The image is lifted from a
biology textbook, and shows only the outline of the
human male body, humanity at its most basic level,
expressing the idea of sexuality based upon a purely
biological perspective.
Lionel S. Reiss
Adam and Eve, Genesis 2:22-23
,
c. 1952-1972
Oil, canvas
56"
x 36½"
Collection of Park Avenue Synagogue, New York City
Beginning in 1952, Reiss began a series of large murals,
paintings, and watercolors entitled “Genesis,” depicting
biblical scenes. He worked on this series for more than
twenty years and was still creating these works at the
time of his death at the age of 92.
Adam and Eve
depicts
the moment when Eve, her body resplendent in flame-
like streams of light, floats up from Adam’s rib cage.
These works reflect the style of British painter
William Blake in their mystical, prophetic, and
primordial imagery.
