I Will Not Let You Go Until You Bless Me is an inspired exhibition that displays the collective works of 11 multidisciplinary artists who participated in IUPUI’s Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts Seminar, under the direction of Rabbi Sandy Sasso. Each year, the seminar brings together artists, religious leaders, humanities scholars, and a broad range of people from diverse backgrounds and disciplinary perspectives for sustained study, analysis, and discussions of religious texts in a seminar environment. After the academic portion of the program, participants spend months working through their artistic responses to an ancient religious narrative, with a mind toward a modern lens of interpretation.

Rachel Leah Cohn
*The Sisters (Leah)*
Ink on acrylic, metallic leaf, chain, steel
24" x 40" x 7"

This year, RSA participants focused on chapters 27-28 and 32-33 from the biblical book of Genesis. The artists were invited to interpret Jacob’s dreams through dialogue and artistic practice. From the ladder that reaches the heavens to the lonely night of wrestling, these iconic narratives challenge us to ask hard questions. What are our struggles, personal and communal, and which do we avoid? What does it mean to find a way to blessing? Reflecting on our climate crisis, what does Jacob mean when he says, “God is in this place, and I did not know it"? What are we failing to notice at our own peril?

Addie Hirschten
*If Jacob Climbed the Ladder*
acrylic on canvas
30" x 40"

From sight to sound to the written word, the exhibition features a diverse selection of work by Sarah Burkholder, Rachel Leah Cohn, Diana Ensign, Adam Gross, Addie Hirschten, Claudia Krogmeier, Bonnie Maurer, Morgan Ness, David Sparks, Crystal Vicars, and Victoria Williams Steen. The artwork on display offers dynamic examples of how artists, regardless of faith background, can draw inspiration and information from traditional religious narratives. The result is a moving experience that emphasizes the broad application and spiritual belonging available to any seeker.

David Sparks
*Pillar*
paper, clay
57" x 51" x 23"

Visit rsa-exhibit.org for more information on the artists, the exhibition, and the RSA program. More details about the 2023-24 seminar season, including how to apply, will be available soon. For all other questions or inquiries, contact rsamail@iu.edu.