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T
hroughout his writings, the great German Jewish neo-
Kantian philosopher Hermann Cohen observed that
true aesthetics always “subsumes art indirectly but decisively
to ethics.” 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.
Many artists would undoubtedly dispute the linkage Cohen
draws between art and ethics. However, as one reads the
pages of this catalog, there is no doubt that
e Sexuality
Spectrum
at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of
Religion Museum, and the artists whose works are included
in this exhibition, surely would not. eir works – disturbing,
profound, enlightening, provocative, and beautiful – self-
consciously point to and capture the connection between
aesthetics and morality that Cohen defines as the essence
of great art.
Diverse and changing orientations and attitudes towards
sexuality, the family, violence, and illness are represented
through the diverse works and themes of the contemporary
artists in this exhibition. However, the common thread that
unites all these works is a principled intent on the part of
all 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, inspi-
rational, and unique.
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion is most
proud to host
e Sexuality Spectrum
in our Museum. is
exhibition is fully consonant with our efforts and those of
our Reform Movement to secure the basic human rights
that are the legitimate birthright of every individual – gay or
straight, male or female, child or adult. It is a great privilege
for these works to appear in our galleries. I hope that those
who attend this exhibition as well
as those who read the pages of this
catalog will be similarly moved to
strive for the messianic dream of
inclusion and justice that animates
these artists as well as our Jewish
tradition.
Inclusion and Justice
Rabbi David Ellenson, Ph.D.,
President, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
Archie Rand
David’s Sorrow
, 2002
Acrylic, canvas
48"
x 64"
Collection of Dr. Jeffery Gelblum
