The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) has opened its next traveling exhibition, “Lives Eliminated, Dreams Illuminated” (LEDI). This touring exhibition is an artistic collaboration between American painter Lauren Bergman and Israeli composer Ella Milch-Sheriff, and opened to the public on Aug. 30. Visitors will immerse themselves in a world where art, music and narrative converge to create a deeply moving, powerful and thought-provoking experience.
LEDI features archival photographs of female Holocaust victims paired with paintings that reimagine the lives lost and dreams shattered. A unique musical vignette, composed for each victim and extending from their known history and inspired portraits, enhances the emotional connection and deepens the experience.
LEDI is a visionary exhibition dedicated to promoting insight into, and dialog about, antisemitism, intolerance and hate through the transformative and elevating power of art and artistry.
Bergman began the series of paintings in 2017. Through her unique musical compositions for each portrait, Milch-Sheriff extends the compelling emotional impact of Bergman’s paintings.
LEDI is presented in partnership with the Dr. David M. Milch Foundation, The Together Strong Community Fund, The LJD Jewish Family and Community Services and the Jewish Community Alliance of Jacksonville. Robust educational programming is scheduled for local students and MOSH guests throughout the exhibition’s run.
“Our communities here in Northeast Florida, like many others across the nation, have experienced increasing division for a variety of reasons, including expressions and attitudes of antisemitism,” said Anthony Mortimer, vice president of exhibitions and education at MOSH. “Education and art are important tools to bring our community together to stand against hate. LEDI is an excellent framework for us to provide a factual and gracious space to encourage productive and unifying reflection and discussion. The Holocaust stories are personal to many, but the LEDI experience enables us to see how they translate to challenges in other communities throughout history and in our present society. The broader goal — and why we are proud to have LEDI as part of our Passport Series this year — is to bring diverse communities together around common objectives for the benefit of all of us, together.” “We view Jacksonville as an inclusive place of hope where individuals can reach their personal potential by focusing on our shared values rather than our differences,” said David Miller, community trustee and lead funder of the Together Strong Community Fund in Jacksonville. “Promoting education is essential so people have the opportunity to be informed and connected. Only then can we truly come together as a community. Through this fund and supporting exhibitions like LEDI at MOSH, we will add to our collective understanding and promote bridge building. By recognizing our commonalities, we can begin to appreciate that we are all on a shared journey together. Together, we are stronger.”
Lusia Rosenzweig Milch, 93, the compelling subject of one of the powerful LEDI portraits, shares vivid memories of her ordeal and liberation.
After losing more than 100 family members in the Holocaust, Milch escaped Europe, crossing the German Alps in the winter to reach safety in Italy before arriving in New York City, where she raised a family and still resides. As living memory for the millions of adults and children who were lost, Milch continues to speak out against antisemitism, discrimination and hate.
Her son, David Milch, is the founder of the Dr. David M. Milch Foundation, whose mission is to support arts for social impact via its "Ars Veritas" initiative ("Truth in Art"), conceived of and presented in the LEDI experience. This artistic journey debuts new storytelling techniques, personalizing and emotionally connecting participants to young women and girls who were murdered during the Holocaust. "LEDI is founded on three core principles,” said David Milch. “First and foremost, the Holocaust is an undeniable historical fact, and any attempts to deny or trivialize it must be challenged. Second, many communities have faced genocide and tragedy throughout history, and this suffering continues today. No group or individual is exempt from the consequences of hate. Art and creativity offer a way to help grasp the enormity of these challenges, promoting empathy, compassion and the wisdom needed to foster a better future." “The team at LEDI is looking forward to sharing the stories of these girls and young women with the greater Northeast Florida community,” said Bergman. “In creating paintings based on historic snapshots, my goal is to honor these lost lives. I hope to give back to these girls and young women something that was stolen, and to remind the world that these young people once lived and loved; that they, like us, harbored dreams and hopes and secrets; that they had stories to tell.”
The exhibition will run through Feb. 2. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, go to themosh.org.
