Art exhibit on display at Luther College Oct. 21-Dec. 5
When memorializing a horrific event in history, it is often difficult to see beyond the defining darkness and tragedy. Yet it is often within the context of intensely difficult circumstances that the true strength, resilience and beauty of the human spirit can be seen.
“Transfer of Memory,” a touring exhibit consisting of photographs and stories by Minnesota Holocaust survivors, will be on display, Oct. 21-Dec. 5, in the Center for Faith and Life Gallery on the Luther campus. The exhibit is open to the public with no charge for admission.
Luther College will be the first Iowa site to host “Transfer of Memory.” The exhibition, brought to Luther College by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, has appeared in colleges, churches and public venues throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin since 2012.
Photographer David Sherman, writer Lili Chester and curators Laura Zelle and Susie Greenberg designed the exhibit to focus on the stories and dreams of each survivor. Sherman’s portraits of Holocaust survivors are colorful and bright, often taken in the home of the individual. Chest er’s words, paired with each portrait, draw from interviews with each subject, telling stories of both tragedy and hope.
Sherman’s aim in this project was to create dignified, colorful and beautiful memorials, each story a reminder of “the value of freedom and the enduring human spirit.” The exhibit bears witness to the experience of Midwestern Holocaust survivors, allowing viewers to experience the humanity behind each memory.
“Transfer of Memory” coincides with Luther College Center Stage Series event, “Judgment at Nuremberg.” This radio theater-style production brings to life the 1940s Nuremberg Trials, American-lead tribunals formed to prosecute war criminals for their roles in the Holocaust. L.A. Theatre Works brings their performance to Luther College at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Tickets available at tickets.luther.edu.
A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,150, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college’s website: http://www.luther.edu.