Islington showcase for Jewish artists

AN EXHIBITION of work by Londonbased Jewish artists is the first in the art gallery within Chabad Islington’s new community centre.

We Returned opened after the lifting of the second lockdown and will continue into March. A further exhibition will coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day.

Chabad Islington’s Rabbi Mendy Korer said engaging people “in a religious way is one-dimensional”. He hoped the art gallery and communal space would provide opportunities t o “access and engage in many dimensions of Jewish identity”.

The gallery has taken guidance from the local authority on operating safely during the pandemic. “An art gallery lends itself to people being socially distanced,” Rabbi Korer observed.

However, the display would also be available online, catering for those who would rather not visit in person — or in the event of another lockdown.

The exhibition features sculptor David Hochhauser, puppet-maker and painter Liorah Tchiprout and painter and etcher Beverley-Jane Stewart ( see image, right).

Each offers commentaries on British Jewish identity.

Head curator Nicole Zisman said: “As the presence of a synagogue inevitably nurtures a community, so too may the presence of Jewish art in this space foster connections between art

An art gallery lends itself to people being socially distanced’

ist and audience within a wider community.” There is no charge to visit but donations are welcome and artworks are available for purchase. Individual talks in the gallery by the artists are planned next month.

Meanwhile, the Chabad Islington shul has resumed Shabbat services.