CHUTZPAH: Spirit. Recollection. Self.
The Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica proudly presents Chutzpah: Spirit. Recollection. Self., a groundbreaking exhibition that brings together 10 artists from around the world who use a range of art forms to explore the complexity of what it means to be Jewish today. From May 1 – July 27, 2025, the JMA will transform into a vibrant showcase of over 20 loaned and newly commissioned artworks spanning painting, sculpture, video and installation, inviting audiences to explore how identity, culture and place intersect in profound and diverse ways.
Originating from the Aramaic word חֲצִיפָא (ḥăṣîpāʾ) or חֲצַף (ḥaṣap), meaning “to be barefaced” or “insolent”, the early negative connotations of the Yiddish word ‘chutzpah’ have given way for more popularised meanings like having courage or ‘guts’, today. The exhibition uses the multi-layered meanings of ‘chutzpah’ to celebrate and critique in equal measure, reflecting the Jewish tradition of questioning, debating and challenging assumptions. In Chutzpah: Spirit. Recollection. Self., audiences are invited to enter a cathartic space and engage in a creative dialogue, to examine the multiplicities of Jewish identity and to process the courage it takes for artists to engage with Jewish themes in today’s world, amidst a rise of antisemitism, cancel culture and the loss of cultural safety.
Featured works by Inbal Nissim, Ori Gersht, and Hedy Ritterman draw on themes of personal memories and collective traumas. Other works by Jordy Kerwick and Elinor Sahm reclaim their Jewish roots. Nina Sanadze and Navot Miller explore the site of the synagogue as spiritual sanctuary and at the same time, a both historical and contemporary target of Jewish hate. Stephania Windholz Leigh, Allison Zuckerman and Joel Mesler’s aspiring and often humorous takes on Jewish food, iconography and language are filled with hope, healing and strength in the face of adversity.
While the exhibiting artists live and work around the world, in cities like Berlin, Tel Aviv, London, Melbourne and New York, Chutzpah is a testament to the remarkable resilience which they all share. Through these narratives, Chutzpah offers audiences a dual lens: a place to grapple with the darkness of the current world on the one hand, and on the other, a place to embrace the enduring light that fuels our hope and faith in humanity.
Featuring works by Nina Sanadze (Australia/Georgia), Ori Gersht (Israel/UK), Inbal Nissim, (Australia/Israel), Elinor Sahm (Israel/Germany), Hedy Ritterman (Australia), Stephania Windholz Leigh, (Australia/Poland), Joel Mesler (United States), Allison Zuckermann, (United States) Jordy Kerwick (France/Australia), Navot Miller (Israel/Germany) and guest curated by Alana Kushnir (Australia).
Image: Allison Zuckerman, Day of Rest, 2024
