Artist Camille Eskel: The Fez as Jewish Storyteller

LILLITH MAGAZINE

The article refers to her mixed media sculpture F-Ezra: Made a Woman. Courtesy of Jewish Art Salon

Artist Camille Eskel’s newest work explores the Baghdadi-Jewish experience in India that formed her family history and psychological legacy. Both grandfathers manufactured or traded fez caps, and the artist’s hats carry information about identity, cultural influence, gender relationships, and intergenerational beliefs, practices and attitudes. The Hebrew words on this fez quote from the archaic morning prayer recited by men giving thanks that “I was not created a woman.” The backdrop is a section of the Bombay synagogue Eskel’s mother’s family attended, and the women portrayed are from her family. [link]