Threshold is a sculpture tour inspired by the mezuzah, a small ritual object which Jewish people fix to the doorways of our homes and workplaces. A mezuzah contains a sacred scroll on which is written a Hebrew prayer and marks the human passage between private and public space. For Jews it is a mark of belonging and a visual reminder to uphold good values in life. Before WWII Kaunas was home to almost 40,000 Jews – a quarter of the population – and the mezuzah was a common sight on thousands of doorways. But after the Holocaust, this visible sign of Jewish life vanished without trace, along with the people. Threshold re-introduces the language of mezuzah onto Kaunas streets.

Artist designed a small sculpture echoing the mezuzah form, but with the scroll replaced by a mirror, inviting reflection for all. Buildings with a past Jewish connection have been researched and their current residents invited to host a sculpture at their door. Thus, each sculpture marks not only a building but also a conversation about the Jewish people who once lived or worked there. It is only through the sculpture hosts’ participation that Threshold is made possible. Thank you to all hosts.

More about the project: atmintiesvietos.lt/lt/marsrutai/slenkstis

You can find the audio guide tour created by artist Bradley on the Tripsolo mobile app. Also, you can find printed maps in the Kaunas 2022 Info Centre (Laisvės av. 36)

The installation will be available for independent visits throughout the year.

 

A project by artist Jyll Bradley 2022

Produced by Daiva Price and Justina Petrulionytė-Sabonienė

Research and Liaison by Karina Židokaitė

Research Consultancy by Marija Oniščik

Sculpture Fabrication and Installation by Julius Grigaliūnas

 

Organizers: Kaunas 2022

Partners: Kaunas Jewish Community, Tripsolo