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High praise for photos reflecting Jewish life in Balaclava
RMIT University student and St Kilda resident Shoshanna Jordan has been given
an honourable mention for her photographic work at the Siemens-RMIT Fine Art
Awards.
Ms Jordan, who is studying a Master of Art, received high praise for two
photographs, “Batch – crossing and intersections” and “Simson Interiors
Optometrists”, which are part of a series titled, “A Reflection: Jewish Diaspora in
Carlisle Street Balaclava”.
“I am interested in depicting sociological themes in an artistic manner via my
photography,” she said.
“This series of photographs is the culmination of a research project undertaken
over two years, which investigates the contemporary Jewish life with a focus on the
cultural conditions of identity, lifestyle and ritual.
“My images explore the microcosm of this minority social group within one
geographically contained locale – Carlisle Street, Balaclava. For the past 50 years
there has been a relatively high concentration of Jewish residents living in this
area, however both the street and the local neighbourhood are currently
undergoing changes that reflect the more recent Jewish and non-Jewish migration
patterns and a younger more affluent generation are moving into the surrounding
areas.”
Ms Jordan’s images reflect on the connections between the Jewish identity of
Carlisle Street, and the cultural changes that are taking place in the street such as
the changing nature of the shopping precinct, the type of people populating the
street, the use of the street and the effect this has on the social conditions of
identity, lifestyle and ritual.
“The photographic overview of the contemporary streetscape provides an
illustrative case study of broader processes of immigrants building a community.
Carlisle Street with its established institutions, services and shops, all meeting the
particular ethnic needs of a diverse range of migrant communities, is an example of
a streetscape where Jews have imprinted their unique, multifaceted identity. Here,
the expressly particular group needs of both secular and orthodox Jewishness are
expressed in the street through artefacts, symbols and signs,” she said.
Chairman and Managing Director of Siemens Australia and New Zealand, Mr
Albert Goller, said: “Siemens values education, science, technology and above all,
innovation. We support projects that contribute to innovative people realising their
talents and potential, as is reflected through this longstanding partnership with
RMIT. We are proud to sponsor these Awards.”
For interviews: Shoshanna Jordan, 0411 312 494.
For further information, media enquiries and images: RMIT Gallery Exhibition
Co-ordinator, Vanessa Gerrans, (03) 9925 2686 or 0413 849 256.
9 December, 2008
NEWS 
