Old Middle East / מזרח תיכון ישן

This series draws upon representations of “blessing” in Judaism, exploring biblical imagery, traditional beliefs, and facets of religious practice in order to deconstruct popular conceptions of mysticism and spirituality. Images of hands, eyes, and candles are all often used as a charm against עין הרע (the evil eye) and constitute vital elements of the ritual blessing over the candles on Shabbat and other holy days in the Jewish calendar.

Gaze and eye direction are as recurringly important motifs in Moreno’s work; figures look straight at the viewer demanding attention or shut their eyes peacefully, occupying a mystical world distinct from our own.

The work also serves as a sociocultural commentary on male sexuality and interaction in a Mizrahi-Sephardi Israeli context. Moreno creates a wistful portrait of manhood, sexual orientation, and mother-son relationships that is at once intimate and sublime.