A Little Celebration

Packed with visually rich pageantry and stylistic references to epic Hollywood blockbusters, celebrated female Israeli artist Yael Bartana’s explosive 18-minute film Inferno has only been shown in one other U.S. city. The film’s based on the construction of a massive third Temple of Solomon by a Neo-Pentecostal church in São Paulo, Brazil. Bartana takes this real world activity and imagines the possible outcomes, weaving a spectacular open narrative that blurs past and present, fact and fiction in a way that sparks questions about religion, memory, culture and identity, among other issues. Since Inferno is open to interpretation, viewers are encouraged to call a “hotline” to hear expert insights and share their own questions and perspectives. The Maltz Museum kicks off the Yael Bartana: Inferno exhibition tonight from 6:30 to 9 with “Uma Pequena Festa” (Portuguese for “a little celebration). You can see the hi-definition film in a specially constructed surround sound space, don tropical headpieces, sip on a caipirinha and samba to live Brazilian music courtesy of the Cleveland Music Collaborative. RSVP by calling 216-593-0575. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)