The distressing truth behind an exhibit about antisemitism — it’s always timely

Art review by Stav Ziv in the Forward, July 5, 2024

In a Tribeca gallery, 21 artists confront an issue that was relevant long, long before Oct. 7.

The first thing you see when you walk into 81 Leonard Gallery in Tribeca is an uncanny amalgamation of two faces: Adolf Hitler and Kanye “Ye” West. Is it a powerful dictator or a popular rapper? It’s both and neither, but a face and font of antisemitism regardless. 

Marina Heintze’s “Yitler” is like an artistic onion — peeling back one layer reveals another and each pungent revelation adds to the sting. Bacterial patterns remind viewers of propaganda that has long associated Jews with disease. Tattoo paper and distorted shoes conjure images of Auschwitz. 

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The facade of 81 Leonard Gallery, which is currently exhibiting ‘Artists on Antisemitism.’ Courtesy of 81 Leonard Gallery

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