Defiant Requiem

In conjunction with Northern Illinois University’s multi-media performance of Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín, the Jewish Artists Collective-Chicago (JACC) created an exhibit of thematically related painting, printmaking, fiber art, sculpture, and installation. I created this series as a response to learning about Rafael Schachter and the tens of thousands imprisoned in Terezin (Theresienstadt) and what people can do under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I was inspired by the thought that the inmates of Terezin, being robbed of so much, experienced synesthesia, allowing them to feel warmth and colors, which gave them hope. The experience of singing as a group transported these people out of the dark, dingy basement into a world of hope. If people are robbed of freedom, they must respond with creativity. The power of music and the human spirit can illuminate the best in humanity and overcome the worst.