Re-Existence
Re-Existence:
Found Objects Transformed
by Samuel Schloss
The act of recycling is not a contemporary one. The Torah (The Five Books of Moses) teaches us that “You shall not destroy” (Deut. 20:19). It is a general prohibition against wasting or destroying anything of value unnecessarily and is known in Hebrew as “Baal Taschit”.
Jewish thought does not limit this “re-existence” to inanimate objects. Upon the death of an individual it is not incomprehensible that the soul may return to this world within another essence. In Hebrew this is termed “Gilgul”.
By utilizing ordinary things from everyday life, that have been discarded, the precept of “Baal Taschit” is obeyed and the notion of “Gilgul” is communicated. Within this context, found materials and parts are no longer viewed as stand-alone isolated objects. They have been integrated and fashioned into configurations that now project energy unthinkable in their original form.
A reception to celebrate the opening of “Re-existence” is scheduled for September 6th, 2006 at 7pm. A representative from the Natural Resource Defense Council will be joining us to speak about the current challenges of the on-going clean up efforts following hurricane Katrina. Artist Samuel Schloss will also be on hand along with Rabbi Yehuda Sarna to answer questions. The event is free & open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
The Bronfman Center’s Gallery hours are:
Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm, Friday 9am-3pm & Sunday 10am-9pm and is located at
7 East 10th Street between 5th Avenue and University Place.
For further information contact Jackie Miller at 212-998-4122 or .
