Inspired by the biblical exhortation of Deuteronomy (16:20) to “pursue justice and justice alone,” The Contemporary Jewish Museum’s new exhibit ”Chasing Justice” features the work of Arnold Mesches, Johanna (Joby) Barron (MFA 2010), and Robbin Henderson, three artists of Jewish heritage who have, through activism, research, and engagement with the government, produced bodies of work that explore different approaches to this Jewish commitment. From surveillance to arrest, the three artists shine a light on controversial government practices that often remain hidden, unseen, or forgotten.

 “Amid current political debates over hi-tech surveillance, from the NSA to iPhone videos of police actions, “Chasing Justice” explores issues of government surveillance and power—both historically and today,” says Curator Renny Pritikin. “’Chasing Justice’ is a timely exploration of how three contemporary Jewish artists engage with government bureaucracies and familial legacies in an effort to create a more just world.”

Joby Barron used the FOIA to obtain the starting materials for her ongoing series Acres of Walls (2015). Barron wanted to get a glimpse inside the secretive and mysterious CIA headquarters in Virginia and requested information on the abstract paintings that hang in the hallways there. The publicly inaccessible collection was loaned to the CIA in the 1970s by Vincent Melzac, a Jewish American businessman and art collector. Barron has only been able to gain a partial accounting of these works. In Acres of Walls, Barron recreates a selection of those paintings in 3/4 scale and displays documentation of her research and interactions with the CIA including denials, appeals, redacted pages, and correspondence. Approximately twelve of the works from this series will be presented in “Chasing Justice.”

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