WORD. brings together two artists: one of Jewish upbringing and one of no religious affiliation. In a time of renewed urgency in the contest for authority within religious traditions, we are reminded that it is often the artists, the outsiders, the heretics and the rebels who sneak into the house and run off with the idols. Progressive politics ignores religion at its own peril - the sacred house of existential meaning is owned by no one.

Featuring ELANA MANN in the Foyer Gallery and JAMES GRIFFITH in the Sanctuary.

ELANA MANN
The Foyer Gallery features the second iteration of Elana Mann's collaborative, performative work recently unveiled at Human Resources in Chinatown. The sculptural objects take the form of rattles, noisemakers, casts of hands turned into trumpets... a collection of tools designed for protest and ready for future deployment. They line the sweeping curved walls of the transitory space between the outside world and inner sanctuary, creating a dialogue with the Mid-century modern architecture of local architect John Galbraith, circa 1967, and the over 100 year old pipe organ in the balcony. Originating in the oral / aural tradition of her Jewish heritage, Elana Mann's work is a bridge that connects current struggles for human rights and female bodily autonomy with forgotten or suppressed aspects of the religious imagination.