Alexis Gideon: Penumbra

Join JMM for the global premiere of Penumbra, an immersive live performance of music and simultaneous video screening created by Alexis Gideon exploring transgenerational trauma and the artist’s ambivalence about his Jewish identity. The video and song cycle feature a semi-autobiographical version of Gideon, exploring his visions of a past life as a young woman murdered by a soldier on a train platform. Each song is depicted with vividly painted animations; some include recordings of Gideon’s family members recounting their experiences. Throughout, the piece investigates the concept of the interspiritual connectedness of all beings, and the dissolving of boundaries between the self and other, ultimately uncovering insights into the divine.

The work will be performed live by Alexis Gideon and Mira Cook. Following the performance, participate in a Q&A conversation with the artists.

Alexis Gideon is an American visual artist, composer, and performer, best known for his innovative animated live video operas and interdisciplinary techniques. Gideon considers music the backbone and inspiration for all his work. Gideon has performed and exhibited throughout the world, including at Moderna Museet Stockholm, New Museum of Contemporary Art, Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Málaga, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, and Time Zones Festival Italia. In 2013, The New Museum of Contemporary Art paired Gideon with renowned South African artist William Kentridge for a joint program. His work is held in collections including the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and the Thomas J. Watson Library at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY.

Mira Cook is a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and teacher based in Austin, Texas. Her early contact with music came from Eastern chanting groups she attended with her parents and her studies in classical piano. Mira spent 8 years in California dancing professionally and developing her musical style, and 13 years in New York touring internationally and performing with Battery Dance, where she frequently combined live music and dance. She has released 7 music albums, including 2024’s RITUAL, a collaboration with Alexis Gideon.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the exhibitions on view: Upon Thy Gates and Modernisms.

6:00 PM | Doors + galleries open 

6:30 PM | Performance + video screening

7:00 PM | Artist Q&A

8:00 PM | Event ends

Kosher light refreshments will be served.

Please note that capacity is limited. 

Accessibility: The Museum building, including the family and all-gender single-stall bathroom, is wheelchair accessible. Masks are welcome but not required. Complimentary masks will be available for anyone who would like one. Noise-reducing headphones and earplugs are available upon request at the front desk. Live captioning will be available.

Parking: There is street parking available in the neighborhood.

For questions, please contact info@jewishmuseummd.org or 410.732.6400.