Portraits in Janet Boltax's “Jewish Identity Project” include Frank.
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The artist’s commentaryMarch 13, 2008
Like many contemporary Jews, Montclair artist Janet Boltax has felt conflicted about her religious identity at different points in her life, feeling culturally but not spiritually connected. Her attempt to understand that diffidence led her to explore Judaism’s role in the lives of others. The result of that quest is “The Jewish Identity Project: Portraits and Commentary,” a series of portraits and interviews with a wide range of Jews. The exhibition will be on display at the Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus, West Orange, from March 23 through May 4.
The exhibit consists of 20 subjects in 18 portraits, with excerpts from interviews shown alongside the paintings. “I think the writing adds a nice dimension to the art,” Boltax said.
“I’ve been grappling with questions of identity for many years, and I’ve also painted portraits for many years,” Boltax told NJ Jewish News. “A couple of years ago, I asked a senior citizens’ group at Temple Ner Tamid, where I’m a member, if anyone would be interested in posing for a portrait. I got quite a few responses, and other people learned about the project and volunteered to sit for me. The project expanded from a small group of Jewish seniors to a larger group of Jews of varied ages and backgrounds.”
Portrait of "Jeanne" from Janet Boltax's “Jewish Identity Project”
Boltax’s subjects include African-American Jews; Jews by choice; Jews from the Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox movements; an Iranian Jew; as well as two self-portraits, one done at the start of the project and one done at its completion.
“It was wonderful getting to know these people,” Boltax said. “We had fascinating conversations while they were sitting for me. The most interesting thing I found was that a number of people said, ‘I need to believe in something.’ Some of my subjects had thought about and explored their beliefs in depth, while others have never questioned it.”
Two interviews particularly stand out in her memory. “It was really interesting speaking to the Lubavitcher rebbe and his wife. Even though they own a shop on Pleasant Valley Way and don’t live far from me, we never would have met under normal circumstances. Their beliefs are so radically different from mine that it was fascinating.”
Boltax, who received a BFA from SUNY Buffalo and studied at the Art Students’ League in New York, has long been drawn to portraiture for its expressive possibilities. She has worked in a variety of media, including oil, charcoal, wax, powdered pigment, and collage. For this project, she used mostly oil, considering it “the best material for capturing both flesh and movement.”
When not painting, Boltax enjoys printmaking; a number of her etchings and monoprints of primates are currently part of a show in Rahway. She is also an oil painting instructor at the Montclair Adult School. Her works have been shown throughout New Jersey, including at the Gaelen Gallery at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus in Whippany in 2004.
While still doubtful as to the existence of God, Boltax is clearly committed to Judaism. She and her family are longtime members of Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, where her younger daughter recently celebrated her bat mitzva. Her son and older daughter likewise became b’nei mitzva there. In fact, since completing her project, Boltax says, she believes “my Jewish identity has become, in some ways, more important to me than ever.”
Brett Neuwirth from Janet Boltax's "Jewish Identity Project"
I dislike going to temple on Fridays, but what I do like about Judaism is learning another language. I also love Chanukah since we get presents, and I love Passover because I enjoy my Grandma’s cooking — her matzoh ball soup and her chicken. I also like the Jewish stories, especially the story of the slaves leaving Egypt.
I believe in God. I see God as the creator, but I don’t have a visual image of God. Do I pray? Yes, when my sister is bothering me a lot, I pray for her to go away. I get comfort from praying.
I don’t care if someone doesn’t believe in God. I just accept it.
I have a lot of friends who go to synagogue, so I don’t think about the fact that I’m one of the few Black members.
— Brett Neuwirth
The artist’s commentary:
Before:
…I have, at different points in my life, felt strongly conflicted about the meaning of my Jewish identity. Although I identify culturally as a Jew, I have moved spiritually in the direction of atheism.
Janet Boltax: Portrait of the artist as an artist Photos courtesy Janet Boltax
I cannot identify with the feeling of “faith” in the existence of God that many people profess to have. So, if I do not believe in a Jewish God or any God for that matter, how can I come to terms with the meaning and importance of Judaism in my life?...
Through talking to these individuals and closely observing them, I have been able to gather and set forth a great deal of relevant information. I am hoping that those who see these portraits and read the words of the sitters will perhaps gain a little insight into their own Jewish identities. At the same time they are likely to be confronted with more questions — which is, of course, the Jewish way.
After:
…Part of my interest in this project was to gain greater understanding of the role of Judaism in my own life. I cannot say that my lack of faith in God was altered in any way, but my cultural ties to Judaism have been reinforced. My interest in further Jewish learning has also been piqued.
What I found to be of great curiosity was the approach of some of my sitters to the question of God’s existence. Among some, faith in the existence of God seems to be a choice rather than a deep-seated certainty or faith. I still do not understand how faith can be a choice. I have also been perplexed by those individuals who have the confidence or peace of mind to remain unquestioning about their faith and the role of Judaism in their lives.
One thing that is common to all of the sitters, however, believers, non-believers, and hopefuls alike, is the firm, inescapable grip Judaism appears to maintain on their identities.
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