Julie Weitz
julieweitz.com | @mygolem_is_here
In her multimedia series GOLEM: A CALL TO ACTION, Julie Weitz utilizes Jewish allegory and folklore to confront ecological disaster.
GOLEM: A CALL TO ACTION (Post-Burn), HD Video
GOLEM: A CALL TO ACTION (Golem and Hose: Firefighter Training), HD Video
My Golem’s Call to Action (Los Angeles National Forest, CA), digital C-print
Julie Weitz Artist Statement:
GOLEM: A CALL TO ACTION is a multimedia assembly of visual artworks, film and educational programming by artist Julie Weitz; its intention is to confront ecological disaster by instrumentalizing Jewish allegory, folklore, and spiritual practice through an immersive art exhibition and experimental film. The project utilizes a contemporary reimagining of the golem figure to advance a new vision for ecological justice.
This is the newest iteration of Weitz’s My Golem, an ongoing art initiative that incorporates live performance, film and video content, and collaborative educational initiatives, centered on Weitz’s portrayal and embodiment of a futuristic folkloric humanoid named My Golem. Weitz revitalizes the golem mythology as an empowerment fantasy; in this instance, her goal is to frame a moral imperative for action around the issue of climate change and wildfire management that is uniquely grounded in the Kabbalist conception of Tikkun Olam. The goal of Tikkun Olam, in this context, is to repair the world that we all share. My Golem is framed as a diasporic justice-seeker, adapting her culture’s ancient traditions with contemporary urgency, while also honoring local communities, the land, and long established ecological practices.
In November 2019, Weitz completed her basic wildland firefighter training as an artist-in-residence at Sagehen Field Creek Station in Tahoe National Forest. Operated by UC-Berkley, Sagehen is a research station recognized for its trailblazing approach to fighting California’s wildfires. Weitz’s training at Sagehen certifies her to film onsite during a controlled burn.
Checklist:
1. GOLEM: A CALL TO ACTION (Post-Burn), HD Video, 0:39sec, 2020. POA
2. GOLEM: A CALL TO ACTION (Golem and Hose: Firefighter Training), HD Video, 2:13m, 2020. POA
3. My Golem’s Call to Action (Los Angeles National Forest, CA), digital C-print, variable dimensions, 2020. POA