The CJM Blog

Lindsey White,  Steal Ditch Switch , 2014. C-print, 2014     Artist Lindsey White was interviewed by CJM Associate Curator Lily Siegel about what is going on  In That Case:  Havruta  in Contemporary Art . White is the first artist to participate in this collaborative series. She chose to work with Los Angeles-based comedian and performer Ron Lynch. Both artists have an affinity for challenging expected modes of visual presentation.  What is the most exciting part of In That Case for you? Most people don’t think about artists as being researchers, but we are. Artists are always asking funny questions and stealing time from various people. So the chance to go above board and connect with one of my heroes is a singular opportunity.

Installation of   In That Case   with Lindsey White and Ron Lynch  is under way. In That Case :  Havruta  in Contemporary Art  brings individual Bay Area artists together with a scholar, scientist, writer, or other thinker of his or her choice for a ten-week fellowship in creativity. The resulting collaborations will be presented in The Museum’s Sala Webb Education Center.

In That Case collaborator Ron Lynch's "Tomorrow!" the longest-running comedy, variety, and music show in Los Angeles. Photo by Lindsey White. Opening at The Contemporary Jewish Museum on October 23, 2014,  In That Case: Havruta in Contemporary Art  is based on the Talmudic principle of havruta —the study of religious texts by people in pairs. In That Case encourages learning through fellowship for Bay Area artists, established professionals, museum staff, and the entire CJM community. The root word haver —“friend” in Hebrew—emphasizes the communal nature of learning, and the havruta learning model reflects the Jewish affinity for asking questions and grappling with complex topics, together. Capitalizing on the Jewish perspective inherent to the museum, this program will take havruta and repurpose it for contemporary art. Each local artist invited to participate will be given the opportunity of working with an established writer, scientist, think...