eSTWANAT HAI :
Based on the remarkable audio-visual ceiling installation in the permanent exhibition at the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem, which merges the annual cycles of the three monotheistic religions—Judaism, Islam, and Christianity—into a shared experience, this project offers a unique opportunity to bring the work of artists Amit Hai Cohen and David Polonsky to Touro Synagogue in New Orleans for a special exhibition.
The work features a complex surround soundtrack with over 60 recorded worshipers and musicians, paired with fresco-like visuals that present each holiday on a unified timeline, creating a rich, cross-cultural narrative.
Watch the artists discuss the work:
Tower of David - Jerusalem Museum
Watch a short simulation of the work in Touro Synagogue
Visitors are invited to sit in the pews, immersing themselves in these spiritual moments, bridging time and tradition, as the sound and visuals transform Touro Synagogue into a space of shared spiritual resonance.
In this special adaptation, Amit Hai Cohen, currently lives in New Orleans as a BAMAH Visiting artist, adjusts the work for the historic and symbolic Touro Synagogue in New Orleans. Utilizing the synagogue’s unique architecture, dome, and acoustics, the installation channels the spiritual depth and diversity of Jerusalem into the heart of New Orleans.
The project celebrates diversity by highlighting various religious traditions, including Orthodox and Catholic Christians, Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews, Ethiopian keses, and the Armenian community. It features both female and male voices from diverse backgrounds, with prayers in Ge'ez, Arabic, Hebrew, Latin, and Armenian, reflecting Jerusalem's rich cultural and religious tapestry.
The project aims to bridge different religious communities across the city, engaging groups from HBCUs, connecting with the local art scene, and organizing guest lectures at universities like Tulane to explore the deeper concepts behind the work, along with an educational side exhibition. Key events will include interfaith panels, workshops, and musical concerts exploring the cultures of each religion.
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Creator: Amit Hai Cohen
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