Throughout history biblical women have been portrayed in art as embodiments of both virtue and vice. These representations have often had didactic and moral purposes as well as aesthetic ones; praising women for loyalty, courage, empathy and sacrifice, and condemning or cautioning against deceit, sexual impropriety, treachery and disobedience. Collectively, these can be seen as a catalogue of womanly traits as perceived by male artists. In more recent times, female artists have chosen biblical women as their subjects in order to expand, re-vision or subvert traditional representations of these iconic figures.
In what is likely to cause some discomfort for traditionalists this exhibition examines female characters from the Bible including the first and archetypal woman Eve, the quietly courageous Esther and the boldly assertive Queen of Sheba. In addition to some of these better known characters, the exhibition also examines the status and daily lives of ordinary women in biblical society, and contemporary examples of women’s reclamation of and engagement with the Bible.
Forgasz anticipates a myriad of reactions to the exhibition, suggesting, “despite the predominant secularism of modern society, the religious, political and cultural impact of the Bible endures; biblical narratives retain their resonance in popular culture and biblical characters still figure in our consciousness.”
SCHOOL GROUPS
A different slant on the Bible – a female perspective!
The exhibition offers a range of educational opportunities. Free workbooks are provided for all students.
ADULT GROUPS
Enhance your experience of the exhibition and book in for a personally guided tour by one of our trained guides.
KIDS PROGRAMS
C’mon kids, let’s go!
Free arts-based activities for kids are offered on Sundays throughout the exhibition. All ages welcome.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
A Tale of Two Women
A multifaith dialogue about Sarah & Hagar
Moderator: Rachael Kohn
Panel: Rebecca Forgasz, Rachel Woodlock and Coralie Ling
Program scheduled for the Parliament of the World’s Religions
Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
In God’s Bedroom
An in situ performance by Natalie Krasnostein
Jewish Museum of Australia
From Image to Icon
An art based discussion with one of the exhibition’s participating artists
Panel: Rebecca Forgasz and Claire Renkin
Jewish Museum of Australia
My Favourite Biblical Woman
An interfaith Harmony Day program with representatives from the
Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities
Jewish Museum of Australia
Bookings essential T: 8534 3600
Visit the Museum’s website to confirm dates, times and prices
www.jewishmuseum.com.au
Jewish Museum of Australia
26 Alma Rd, St Kilda
Tues –Thurs: 10 - 4pm
Sunday: 10 - 5pm
Closed Jewish holy days
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USA Today has described the Jewish Museum of Australia as one of the ’ten great places in the world to experience Jewish culture’. In 1982 the Museum was a classroom at the back of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. Today, the Museum is a cultural centre recognised nationally and internationally for its exhibitions, education programs and collection management – the Museum has over 12,000 catalogued items including unique holdings relating to the ‘Dunera Boys’. The Museum caters to all ages, with a myriad of public programs and events the year round.
