Join the Boulder JCC on Wednesday, March 5, from 6 - 8 pm for Israeli Art and Global Politics - The Uncut Version with Israeli artist, educator, and activist Shirel Horovitz. She will present the political landscape through art with a unique twist. “This past year created a rift between the Israeli art world and the international one, mirroring many larger issues. Together, we will dive deep into two of these events and their history to uncover the intricate web of connections between art and politics and the intersections of Israeli art and activism,” states Shirel Horovitz.
This program offers a unique and critical perspective on the intersection of politics and the art world in Israel and internationally. Rather than focusing on exhibitions, it delves into the mechanisms that shape them —the political forces, power structures, and institutional decisions that dictate what is seen, supported, or silenced. By examining a few specific events and what has occurred since October 7th, the program uncovers how political events have had an immediate and extreme impact on the art world, providing a fresh lens through which to understand artistic expression and global political trends.
Through this approach, participants will gain insight into the dynamics of the Israeli and international art scenes and broader political patterns. The way art institutions respond to crises, the funding and censorship debates that emerge, and the ideological battles that play out in galleries and museums reflect more significant societal struggles. The art world acts as a microcosm where political power is often amplified and made visible, offering a compelling way to analyze the structures that shape public discourse and cultural narratives.
More than just an observation, this program encourages critical engagement with these processes. It offers participants tools to recognize and respond to the political forces at play, even personally, as it draws our attention to how we react and the different response options. Even when individuals seem to have little power to influence events, understanding the underlying systems can create new avenues for action. By studying the intersections of politics and art, this program opens a conversation about agency, resistance, and the role of cultural spaces in shaping collective consciousness.
Shirel Horovitz finds this especially meaningful: “We’re all, in a way, shaped by patterns created through images and catchphrases—it’s hard to see beyond them. Politics and power often work through these narratives, conditioning our reactions without realizing it. In this program, I aim to give people the tools to recognize these patterns and break through the surface, seeing what’s at play. What makes this unique to me is that it’s not just about analysis but about agency. Understanding these forces isn’t enough—we need ways to respond, think differently, and navigate the world with more awareness. If I succeed, this program won’t just be about the politics of art—it will be about shifting how we see and respond to the world. I know that's a tall order for one session, and maybe it's even better not to share, but I do see it this way…”
Please refer to the Boulder JCC Programs event page to learn more about Shirel Horovitz and register for Israeli Art and Global Politics—The Uncut Version.