Israeli Photographer to address URI’s Annual LGBTQ Symposium

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KINGSTON – The University of Rhode Island’s annual LGBTQ Symposium will include a keynote address by renowned Israeli photographer Adi Nes, whose captivating work is inspired by art history and social conscience. Free and open to the public, the featured lecture will take place on March 22 at 7 p.m. in the URI Gender and Sexuality Center, 19 Upper College Road, Kingston.

Nes’ meticulously crafted images are autobiographical and attest to living in a country in conflict. His photographs are reminiscent of Renaissance or Baroque paintings, often based on parables and collective cultural memory. Sexual tension is ever-present in Nes’ work, as he delves into complex explorations of masculinity. In one of his best-known images, Nes recreated Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” but replaced the central figures with Israeli soldiers. This photograph appeared on the front page of the New York Times in 2008 and helped establish the artist as one of Israel’s most acclaimed photographers.

URI Hillel Student Board President Naama Malomet of Highland Park, New Jersey, is excited to bring Nes to URI to share his work and his story.

“Adi Nes is an incredible photographer. I’ve seen his work at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The way his contemporary photos reflect classic art is really cool and original, especially in the way that he incorporates Israeli modern life. I’m excited to hear about how his life and experiences have influenced his work.” 

Annie Kosar, coordinator of LGBTQ Programs and Services for URI’s Gender and Sexuality Center, is looking forward to the insights that Nes will share, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with Hillel.

“We are so thrilled to be collaborating with Hillel on such an incredible event for our annual LGBTQ Symposium. The rich kaleidoscope of programming we produce together reaches a variety of students and allows for purposeful and powerful dialogue and interaction.”

Before the presentation, guests are invited to enjoy a meal together at 6 p.m. in the URI Gender and Sexuality Center.

 The presentation by Nes is one of many events that will take place March 20-24 as part of the symposium. There will be a range of workshops and talks about different topics relevant to the university and broader communities today. Details about the symposium will be available online.

For more information, contact Amy Olson, executive director of URI Hillel, at amyolson@uri.edu or Annie Kosar, coordinator of LGBTQ programs and services for the URI Gender and Sexuality Center, at anniem@uri.edu.

Nes’ visit is co-sponsored by URI Hillel and the URI Gender and Sexuality Center with support from the Hinenu Department of Hillel International. Additional sponsors include the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI, The Jewish Voice and (401)j.

JOSEPHINE MAIDA is a senior studying public relations and communication studies at the University of Rhode Island. The New Jersey native is the PR intern at Hillel.