Nina Sanadze stages new exhibition
Along with photographs and sculptures, the exhibition will also feature a realistic Torah scroll.
Artist Nina Sanadze’s one-day-only solo exhibition on April 6, Election Day: No Hate, will feature photographs, sculptures and a video work she produced from the firebombed Adass synagogue.
Sanadze has previously held two exhibitions related to elections regarding environmental concerns, but this exhibition focuses on antisemitism.
“With the upcoming federal elections, I once again felt it was timely to create new work,” Sanadze explained.
“However, this time, my greatest concern is the appalling rise of antisemitism in Australia – something I have personally experienced, as have many in the community on a daily basis. The firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue became a stark symbol of this Jew-hatred.”
Along with photographs and sculptures, the exhibition will also feature a realistic Torah scroll.
“Instead of traditional parchment, it is composed of newspaper articles collected and collated since 7 October, 2023, documenting the rise of antisemitism in Australia. This work serves as a historical record of the Jewish experience at this moment – one that, disturbingly, echoes the past,” she said.
For Sanadze this exhibition is deeply personal after feeling she was cancelled from the Australian arts scene for not supporting Hamas.
“This is my first solo exhibition since my survey show at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2024 – and since my cancellation. It feels profoundly significant to be creating art again, to speak directly to the Jewish experience in this moment … and to exhibit this work in the heart of Melbourne’s art scene – a space that has struggled with antisemitism and sought to exclude me. But I am here, standing my ground and speaking up.”
She reflected that this exhibition is also about hope.
“After all, every election represents a chance for renewal, for rethinking, and for making change.”
Entry is free and the artwork is for sale. There will also be a democracy sausage sizzle and live guitar by Mestaneh Nasarian from 3pm.
Election Day: No Hate will take place on Sunday, April 6, from 10am to 5pm at Goldstone Gallery, 41 Derby Street, Collingwood.
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