Toronto exhibit showcases Jewish and native concepts

The exhibition Shmita/Seven Generations showcases seven artists’ interpretations of the Jewish concept of shmittah  and the indigenous concept of seven generations through photography, painting and mixed media works. 

A collaboration with the Indigenous Visual Cultural Program at OCAD and the Jewish Agency for Israel, the exhibition is the first of its kind. It’s on display at the Gallery at the Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave., until Sept. 30. 

While readers may be acquainted with the concept of shmittah, the biblical injunction to let the land rest every seventh year, seven generations is an indigenous perspective and practice applied to all decision-making, impacting a vast range of matters, from use and stewardship of natural resources to economic and peace treaties with other nations. The basic premise is that decisions that provide benefits and stability to the seventh generation into the future are decisions that will benefit all generations. 

Shmita/Seven Generations includes works by Chief Lady Bird (Nancy King), Talia Peckel, Aaron Rotenberg, Susan Szenes, Rochelle Rubinstein, Isaac Weber and Darlene J. Winfield. The exhibition is curated by Deanna Di Lello of the MNjcc, David General of OCAD’s Indigenous Visual Culture Program and Eran Shafir of the Jewish Agency. 

Admission is free. See more photos from the exhibit below:

'Backyard with Sukkah' by Aaron Rotenberg

'Stompin' Tom' by Susan Szenes

'Dancing in the Wind' by Darlene Winfield

'Green Book of Job' by Rochelle Rubinstein