Exploring Religious and Sexual Identity through Nature’s Rainbows

Artist’s Statement:

Through my paintings, I attempt to show the beauty and complexity of having a multifaceted identity. I created a collection of paintings using vivid acrylic paint in an impressionist style using nature symbolism, Jewish iconography, and a theme of rainbows to show how my Judaism intertwines with my queer identity and love of nature. As an LGBTQ+ Orthodox Jew, I have faced exclusion in queer spaces because of rising anti-Semitism and felt out of place in religious spaces because of my gender identity. I wanted to show in my art how the various aspects of myself do not conflict, but rather harmonize and complement each other. I have often struggled to find spaces where I can show every facet of my identity, so I attempt to create that space with my art. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to share their colorful selves with society and create a more welcoming and vibrant world.