Vibrant Echoes: Photographs by Barbara Freedman

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum
One West 4th Street (Between Broadway and Mercer Street), Manhattan
September 9, 2002-January 10, 2003
Opening Reception: Sunday, October 6, 3-5 pm

Vibrant Echoes: Photographs by Barbara Freedman, a photography exhibition comprised of vibrantly colored, superimposed images of synagogues in New York, will be on view at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum from September 9, 2002-January 10, 2003. Through the use of computer generation and layered technique, the works in this exhibition combine many architectural elements and interior or exterior views of various synagogues, and express complex impressions of these sacred spaces.

Inspired by a trip to Bilbao, Spain in 1998 to visit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank O. Gehry, Barbara Freedman was impressed and entranced with the architectural vocabulary. Freedman, a professional psychotherapist, immediately recognized the collaged, layered aspects of the building. Upon returning to New York and touring the 19th and 20th century synagogues of the Lower East Side, she began a series of manipulated images, layering and building a richly textured scene. Her lifelong interest in Jewish learning has expanded during her retirement, and her study of Biblical text has given deeper meaning to her selection of material.

Freedman's studies at the International Center of Photography have led to her specialization in "photo-shop." The images included in this exhibition are computer generated, manipulated images, printed on specially treated Somerset watercolor paper with archival inks.

Laura Kruger, Curator of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum, noted: "Freedman's use of bold color and skillful stratification allow viewers to explore the many different layers of Jewish heritage and culture. The unique visual perspective employed in these photographs opens the mind to previously hidden aspects of these beautiful locations."

Barbara Freedman's previous exhibitions include solo shows at the Soho Photo Gallery in Manhattan and the Elaine Benson Gallery on Long Island, where she now resides. Many of the photographs to be exhibited at HUC-JIR were displayed at the Soho Photo Gallery this past April. Her work also has been featured in numerous group exhibitions, most recently at Adas Israel, Sag Harbor, and the Image Gallery, Riverhead, NY.

Hours:
Mondays-Thursdays, 9am-5pm;
Fridays, 9am-3pm;
Selected Sundays, 10am-2pm: October 6 and 20, November 3 and 24, December 8

Admission: Free

For curated tours for reporters/editors, group tours, and additional information, please call (212) 824-2205.

http://www.huc.edu/museums/ny