Jewish Art as Self-Defense

February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 2023
12:00–1:30 p.m. EST

Throughout history, Jewish artists have used their art as a tool for empowerment in the face of adversity. Join Black, Queer Jewish artist Ayeola Omolara Kaplan for a deep dive into creating artwork informed by Jewish social justice work. We will learn about Jewish artists and how their Jewish identity inspired their “art-ivism.” Ayeola will guide participants in creating an art piece in whichever medium they are most comfortable (visual, written, vocal, dance, etc.) in response to a social/environmental issue of their choice. This immersion will support both new and experienced creatives in learning to use art as a form of self-defense. By the end of the immersion, we each will have created a piece of art meant to empower us and developed art practices that we can return to during difficult times. We will celebrate the magic of creating art, and how to approach the creative process within the lens of Jewish spirituality.

• You do not need to be experienced to create art. Art is a language we can all use. All you need is your enthusiasm to have fun and try something new.
• There will be some designated time during each session for working on our art pieces; however, we encourage participants to spend some time outside of each session working on their piece. This ensures that we can spend most of the immersion learning/discussing/sharing with each other.

Ayeola Omolara Kaplan (she/her) is a Black, Queer, and Jewish artist. Through depicting the intersections of identity, class, and spirituality, Ayeola hopes to meaningfully contribute to the growing body of revolutionary art. Her work features electrifying, surrealist imagery, created to celebrate the empowerment of oppressed people. In her experience, art is equally a spiritual and political medium. Art is the language that Ayeola uses to fully reclaim the power within herself. She hopes that through sharing her work, she is able to help spread joy and inspire folks to live truthfully and committed to building a world where we can all experience peace, freedom, and equity.

All sessions will be recorded and sent to participants. We encourage live attendance for you to get the most out of the experience.