OCHS

OCHS is an ever-evolving art installation. Its core components are Lashon Hara and L’Dor Vador. While Nancy and I work with dissimilar materials, both narratives examine the same idea: the consequences of hate speech as it relates to both the physical and spiritual realm and its subsequent influence on humanity from generation to generation.

Our first incarnation and collaboration was an exhibit in 2017 on Bowen Island, BC. In 2018, the second incarnation exhibited at the Manny Cantor Center in New York City. The show at MCC was the first time we put out a call for art and asked other artists to also lend their voices to the ongoing conversation. In 2019, the Peninsula JCC in Foster City sponsored another incarnation of OCHS along with community programming; and, in 2021, we presented our fourth iteration on our Vector Artist Initiative website.

The Components of OCHS:

Lashon Hara: 20 small mixed-media works on fabric detailing the effect of lashon hara on the physical and spiritual realm.

L’Dor Vador: 6 glass paintings and 6 works on paper emphasizing the importance of educating our children about hate speech and the individual’s responsibility for self-examination and improvement.

Vessels: 100 small vessels constructed from muslin which represent individual souls and ask: What’s in your container?

Nefesh: 5 flower bouquets made from wire and fabric depicting the five attributes of the Jewish soul.

Eruv: a small installation constructed from fabric which symbolizes “safe spaces”.

No Collusion: a handmade book examining lashon hara in today’s political climate.