Humor2017: Kosher Sex

Kosher Sex

Judaism does not view sexual relations in the proper context
as something dirty or sinful, but as an experience
with the potential for expanded consciousness
and even the possibility for mystical revelation.
This is implied in the midrashic interpretation of the Song of Songs
and throughout the Zohar, which likens the relation of G-d to his faithful
to that of groom and bride, a man and his wife.
There is a problem for me as an observant (and possibly observing) Jew
to visualize this metaphor on canvas
but I am helped by the possibilities of abstract and gestalt art
which can elevate the so-called "animal act" into
something more sublime and even transcendental.

Dealing with this attempt is a selection from my various paintings
on this web site, especially from the Dialogue series,
the Congealings series , the Triptych series
and the Songs series
which can be surfed by those who would
like to see additional examples.

Dialogue #17 - Harmony

acrylics on canvas

40" x 40" (102 x 102 cm)

Dialogue #22 - See-Saw

acrylics on canvas

40" x 40" (102 x 102 cm)

Dialogue #27 - Marriage

acrylics on canvas

37" x 37" (94 x 94 cm)

Dialogue #33 - The Shechina

acrylics on canvas

37" x 37" (94 x 94 cm)

The three partners in a marriage:
the man, his wife and the Shechina
(the indwelling of the divine spirit)

Dialogue #35 - Love in Outer Space

acrylics on canvas

33" x 33" (84 x 84 cm)

The Mystery of Conception (A Visual Amulet for Fertility)

acrylics on canvas26" x 62" (66 x 158 cm)

The physical act of "conception" in holiness is a very high
spiritual dimension and ultimately
beyond what we can possibly conceive.

poster

Image size 18" x 12 1/2" (46 x 32 cm) Signed by the artist.

Put it in your bedroom and nine months later: Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!

Portal to Infinity

acrylics on canvas

26" x 62" (66 x 158 cm)

We are sometimes given the chance
to enter a portal leading to
expansive conciousness,
if the "guardians" at the entrance
(our self -preserving ego)
will only let us pass

Transcendental Aura

acrylics on canvas

30" x 40" (76 x 101 cm)

Conceiving the Universe

acrylics on canvas

30" x 30" (76 x 76 cm)

Looking at painting with anaglyphic glasses
reveals its masculine/feminine components

conceiving

Masculine and Feminine Waters

acrylics on canvas

20" x 20" (51x51 cm)

The triangular form or vector pointing upward
is called by the Kabbalah - the "feminine waters",
the movement or aspiration from below

to reach a spiritual height, such as in prayer.

Turning the painting upside down

transforms it to the "masculine waters",

the vector of bringing spiritual energy

into the "vessels" of the mundane world.

The Mystery of the Signet Ring

An important idea from the Kabbalah is
based on the mystery of the signet ring
mentioned in the Song of Songs,
whose obtruded or recessed image creates
an "opposite" impression on the sealing wax.
This describes the relationship of the "razu v'shuv",
the running and the return, a mystic paradigm
for all social and spiritual relationships.

mixed materials on canvas
mounted on four movable boards.
Each quarter section: 20" x 20" (50 x 50 cm)

Tenderness (Sine-Curves)