Photo by Rik Sferra

Virtual Artist Talk: Exploring Sephardic Art and Jewish Eastern Culture

Join us on Sunday, October 13th at 11:00 AM (CST) for a special Zoom artist talk hosted by Rochester Art Center. This discussion will explore Sephardic art, feminism, and Jewish Eastern culture, with insights from the artists and scholars involved in the current exhibition. The talk will highlight the exhibition Rima: Passages in Sephardic Sculpture, curated by Sharon Toval and featuring the work of artist Rotem Tamir.

Exhibition Overview

The Rochester Art Center is pleased to present Rima: Passages in Sephardic Sculpture, a solo exhibition by artist Rotem Tamir. This captivating exhibition explores ancient craft traditions intertwined with cultural heritage, familial ties, and the resilience of women across generations. Through sculptures and installations, Tamir reflects on demanding domestic tasks, traditionally associated with women, such as wool mattress crafting, kubbeh preparation, and fabric-making. Her work honors these traditions while inviting deeper reflection on their personal and cultural significance.

Visitors to the exhibition will experience a sensory journey through sound and sculpture, including a collaboration with sound artist Nir Jacob Younessi, whose recordings of traditional Jewish songs sung by Tamir’s family fill the space. At the heart of the exhibition is a symbolic round mattress, representing an infinite spiral of existence, alongside interactive installations that allow visitors to engage intimately with the art.

Program Schedule

The program will begin with an introduction to the exhibition by Rochester Art Center Curator Zoe Cinel, followed by an overview of Sephardic art from exhibition curator Sharon Toval. Dr. Ktzia Alon will then discuss feminism and Jewish Eastern culture in Israel, and featured artist Rotem Tamir will share insights into her work and artistic practice. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A session.

About the Speakers

Rotem Tamir is an artist whose work explores cultural fragmentation and the global heritage of pre-industrial domestic crafts. Her art investigates object-making and displacement, with a deep connection to her Southwest Asian and North African heritage. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota and has exhibited internationally.

Sharon Toval is an international curator and researcher specializing in contemporary art. His curatorial work spans museums, galleries, and biennials, and his approach focuses on building artistic bridges to transcend socio-political divides.

How to Register

Registration is required to attend. Please visit the link below to sign up, and we will email the Zoom link prior to the event.

Register Here