Hello Docents-
Fellow docent and Art History professor, Nancy Bishop, has shared some great insights into Brooklyn Crucifixion by Bo Bartlett:
Bo Bartlett's Brooklyn Crucifixion
Brooklyn Crucifixion is Bo Bartlett's response to the novel, My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. Asher, a gifted artistic prodigy, is the only child of a Hasidic Jewish couple living in Brooklyn. Asher's father, the seated figure on the right, is one of the leaders of the community and works directly under the Rebbe (rabbi). Asher's gift and his choice to follow an artistic path lead to much conflict in the home and community. Asher's mother finds herself in the middle as Asher matures and pulls increasingly away from the life his father wanted for him as a Jewish cleric.
In the final part of the book, the adult Asher, having been deeply affected by viewing many Baroque masterpieces on Christian themes, created a painting called "Brooklyn Crucifixion." Asher explained his choice by saying that "there was no aesthetic mold in his own religious tradition into which he could pour a painting of ultimate anguish and torment." Potok describes this as featuring Asher's mother looking martyr-like out of the window of their apartment, her form resembling that of Jesus in a crucifixion, tied to the venetian blind. Bartlett shows us the Brooklyn setting the suggested reflections in the window. Rather than seeing Bartlett's work strictly as his version of Asher's painting, we need to understand it as his unique vision of what a Brooklyn Crucifixion might be.
Since it was published in 1972 My Name is Asher Lev has inspired many artists because of its attempt to describe the gifts of an artistic mind. Aaron Posner was inspired to adapt the novel into a play in 2009 and it was brought to Tacoma by Marcus Walker, the director, in 2011. Bartlett and Walker met at a church on Vashon Island, the painting resulting from a conversation they had. This is best explained in Bo Barlett's own words.
When I was eighteen, I was given My Name is Asher Lev by my high school English teacher. I was at a crossroads in a decision making process as to how to further my art education. In the novel by Chaim Potok, young Asher Lev travels to Florence to study. The book proved to be of great importance in my development. In the novel Asher Lev struggles with his artistic inclinations and his Hasidic Jewish heritage. Being raised strict Southern Baptist, and having deep artistic longing but little real experience being a creative artist, the struggles of Asher Lev had strong resonance for me. The story granted me permission to individuate as an artist.
Asher Lev achieves acclaim from a family portrait depicting his martyred mother in he masterpiece The Brooklyn Crucifixion. For years I pondered how to go about staging a rendition of the fictional painting. When Marcus Walker approached me and revealed that he would be producing Aaron Posner's adaptation of My Name is Asher Lev, I was quick to want to contribute. The cast members posed for Asher, Aryeh, and Rivkeh. I am grateful to Marcus Walker, Lakewood Playhouse, Theatre on the Square, the cast and crew for the opportunity to realize my version of The Brooklyn Crucifixion.
Bo Bartlett
February 15, 2011
Jana Wennstrom | TACOMA ART MUSEUM
Manager of Public and Volunteer Programs
T: 253.272.4258 x3030
embrace art in everyday life ♥ Folk Treasures of Mexico ♥ October 29 - February 19
I'd be happy to write up a nugget on this. I have taught the novel at SPU, saw the play, and even chatted with Bo about it.
Nancy
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Nancy Bishop, Ph.D.
253 507-4048
