Modern Jewish Art in Berlin

Photo Taken by Rachel Star

Biography

My name is Michelle Wantuch. I'm 17-years-old high-school student who currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. I have always lived in the Bay Area, but love to travel the world. I've been to Sweden numerous times, and love to immerse myself in its culture. I've also been to Italy twice, and find the way of life there to be equally intriguing.

Last summer, I traveled to Israel for a month accompanied by teens from my temple as well as teens from all over the U.S. on a program called NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) Adventure. This was a uniquely powerful experience for me and strengthened my ties to Judaism to which I have not always felt as closely connected. Growing up with a mother who is Presbyterian and a father who is of the Reform denomination of Judaism, I was exposed to these two different religions equally. However, at a young age I chose to pursue Judaism and later completed my Bat Mitzvah.

My paternal grandfather from Vienna, Austria was Jewish. He successfully escaped the Nazis during WWII and then immigrated to the U.S. Both my family history and my trip to Israel inspired me to explore the renewal of Berlin's Jewish community and its culture.

Topic Introduction

Because I was so captivated by the art in Berlin from the moment I arrived, I will be studying Jewish Art in particular -- both by taking pictures as well as writing about the various art works created or displayed in Berlin from 1990 to 2010. The art will not necessarily depict Jewish topics, but will have been created by Jewish artists. The works may range from memorials and architecture to paintings and dance. Evidence of Jewish art is visible throughout the city. Berlin is increasingly becoming a hub for Jewish artists from various parts of the world.

Interview Questions

For Jewish artists:

1. What drew you to Berlin as an artist?

2. What about Berlin inspires or connects to your art?

For Jewish students:

1.What is your favorite form of art and why? (drawing, painting, music, pottery, architecture, fashion, cooking, dancing, photography, etc.)

2. Do you think art is an important part of Jewish education? Why or why not?

3. Who is your favorite Jewish musician or artist in Berlin?

For all:

1. What is Jewish art?