Yael Bartana. Catch the New York debut of Yael Bartana’s two latest films: “Inferno” and “True Finn.” “Inferno” explores a grand temple inspired by a replica of Solomon’s Temple in São Paulo being built, destroyed, and its ruins being worshipped. The Brazilian temple was built with stones imported from Israel, and Bartana weaves between Jerusalem and Sao Paolo. “True Finn,” a documentary-style film, asks questions about identity and nationhood. Through Feb. 14. Petzel Gallery, 456 W. 18th St., petzel.com
Gail Rothschild. Brooklyn-based artist Gail Rothschild presents a series of paintings recalling photographs of linen fragments from the Caves in Qumram where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Normally known for her large-scale public sculptures, this is Rothschild’s first work to deal with her Jewish heritage. Through Feb. 21. The National Arts Club – Marquis Gallery, 15 Gramercy Park South, nationalartsclub.org
“Maira Selects.” Maira Kalman assembled 40 objects from Cooper Hewitt, the National Museum of American History, and her own personal collection for “Maira Selects.” The pieces, which include a velvet armchair, a teapot, samplers, Abraham Lincoln’s funeral pall and gold pocket watch, will be displayed in the former Music Room of the historic Carnegie Mansion. Through June 14. Cooper Hewitt, 2 E. 91st St., cooperhewitt.org
Everything is Design: The Work of Paul Rand” Through 150 advertisements, posters, corporate brochures and books, “Everything is Design: The Work of Paul Rand” introduces viewers to the life of this Jewish-American designer. Paul Rand was born Peretz Rosenbaum in Brooklyn, and changed his name in the mid-1930s. He worked at an advertising firm, William Weintraub & Co., which is considered the first Jewish owned ad agency in NYC. He is known for having brought European avant-garde art movements such as Cubism and Constructivism to the American design world. Feb. 25-July 19. Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., mcny.org
The Museum of the City of New York also has “Letters to Afar.’ By Péter Forgács, music by the Klezmatics, a video art installation featuring home movies made by New York City’s Jewish immigrants who traveled back to visit Poland during the 1920s and 30s and a soundtrack The Klezmatics. Through March 31.
In “Lauren Bacall: The Look,” the great actress’ career and personal style are explored through garments from her personal wardrobe, as well as from her film and stage roles. The clothing will be displayed along with photographs, magazine articles, film posters, and archival footage. March 3-April 4. “Lauren Bacall: The Look,” The Museum at FIT, fitnyc.edu
“Artis Armory Show Focus” Artis is presenting the work of Israeli artists Keren Cytter, Shahar Yahalom, and Ariel Reichman for their booth at the Armory Show. March 5-8. Pier 92 and 94 (55th Street and the Hudson River), artiscontemporary.org
“Lincoln and the Jews.”This exhibit focuses on the relationships and interactions between Abraham Lincoln and his Jewish contemporaries through original writings and key artifacts from Lincoln’s life. Marking the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination, Lincoln and the Jews explores the impact these relationships had on Lincoln’s political career, and the status of American Jews in the 19th century. March 29-June 7. New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, nyhistory.org
The NY Historical Society is also exhibiting The Art of Al Hirschfeld — nine decades of the secular Jewish portraitist’s work as well as paintings, selections from his sketchbooks, ephemera, and videos including a cast drawing from Fiddler on the Roof. May 22-Oct. 12.
Assaf Evron. This show will include photographs, photographic objects and sculpture, as well as Evron’s latest body of work “Visual Pyramid after Alberti,” hand made granite-like surfaces that house purple still life photographs. The photos depict everyday objects lit by the infrared light of an XBOX Kinect device. March 7-April 25. Andrea Meislin Gallery, 534 W. 24th St., andreameislin.com
“Lady of the Daisies: A Tribute to Lea Gottlieb.” Israeli fashion designer Lea Gottlieb gained international renown for her successful bathing suit company, Gottex. Through archival prints, original sketches, and textiles, the history of Gottex is explored as well as Gottlieb’s impact on fashion design in Israel. April 20-Aug. 2. JCC in Manhattan (Amsterdam at 76th Street), jccmanhattan.org
“From Bauhaus to Buenos Aires: Grete Stern and Horacio Coppola.” This MoMA exhibit will discuss the life of German-Jewish artist Grete Stern, a photographer who fled Germany for Argentina. Works in the exhibition will include her collaboration for book covers with Jewish publishers and advertisements for Jewish products, as well as portraits of Jewish intellectuals. Curator Roxana Marcoci also discuss Stern’s Jewish heritage in the catalogue. May 17-Oct. 4. The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., moma.org
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