PAMA Talks: Jewish Modern and Contemporary Artists with Josh Heuman
May 28 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
In recognition of Jewish Heritage Month, PAMA welcomes Josh Heuman, art historian and art museum educator, for a light-hearted kibbitz (Yiddish for talk) about Jewish modern and contemporary artists, with special focus on Jewish artists in and from Canada. We will also look at pieces in the PAMA Art Gallery Collection.
Despite the misunderstood “Second Commandment” prohibition of idolatry, Jewish artists have created remarkable works of more traditional subjects and themes – like portraits, landscapes, and still-life – as well as making significant contributions in contemporary artforms including installation, video and performance.
The first Jewish professional artist to establish himself in Canada was William Raphael (1833–1914), who settled in Montreal in 1857. Since then, Canada has had a host of other Jewish artists. Their work is in dialogue with Jewish artists from Europe, the United States and Israel. as well as likely unexpected presence in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Artists that will be discussed include Canadians (William Raphael, Gershon Iskowitz, Judy Singer); Americans (Ben Shahn, Barnett Newman, Judy Chicago, Deborah Kass); Europeans (Marc Chagall, Anthony Caro, Abigail Cohen); and Israelis (Yaacov Agam, Hilla Ben Ari, Broken Fingaz).
Josh Heuman attended York University where he completed a BA and an MA in art history. He has worked 24 years as an art museum educator and curator in Canada and the United States, most recently at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and Art Toronto. Heuman has organized over 1,000 education and public programs, organized dozens of exhibitions, juried exhibitions and competitions, and lectured at museums and universities.
Free with admission.
