Beth Shadur

My works are narrative in nature, telling stories and creating connections through symbols and sometimes jarring combinations of images.  The work combines plant forms and other forms from nature, architectural references, objects both real and imaginary, objects traditionally associated with women through history, and most currently, the hand, to weave a narrative that is oblique, often personal, and sometimes political or issue-oriented.

My most current work, the works of the “Tikkun Olam” series (Hebrew for “heal the world”), investigates the image and symbolism of the hand in its many gestures and roles, especially as it is used in cultures to express healing; healing is reflected as both personal and worldly.  The works are intended to create prayers for world healing.  After the events of 9/11, my confusion and despair served to push my work to aspire towards a supplication for healing.  Many of the new works use the symbol of the hands blessing and praying, asking and making a plea for peace, or at least resolution to conflict.  Hebrew words and prayers appear painted on the hands to convey these prayers.

“Tikkun Olam” Significa curar al mundo.

Durante el mes de Abril, Beth Shadur estara pintando un mural en la ventana de esta galeria.  Este mural tiene como objetivo la creacion de oraciones curativas para aliviar la condicion del mundo.  El artista extiende una invitacion al publico a que la observen segun trabaja.

Su obra es narrativa puesto que cuenta historias y crea conecciones a traves de simbolos e imajenes reales e imajinarias.  El trabajo que la atista hace bajo el nombre de “Tikkun Olam” investiga, entre otras cosas la imajen y el simbolismo de la mano, especialmente del modo en que es usada para expresar el acto de curar.  Oraciones y palabras inscritas en Hebrew aparecen en las manos para acentuar la intencion cuativa del artista hacia el mundo.