Any material referring to the Holocaust is usually perceived as mournful, depressing, and desolated. When I first read the article 'Mirroring Evil, Evil Mirrored: Timing, Trauma and Temporary Exhibitions' I initially perceived it as just that because it dealt with the Holocaust. Reesa Greenberg starts the article by stating the exhibition 'Mirroring Evil', which included Nazi imagery, created a negative reaction from many viewers. Although the Holocaust is indeed a very sorrowful subject, I applaud the Jewish Museum in New York for displaying this particular exhibition in March of 2002. Greenberg writes "The museum understood that the premises of the exhibition were controversial, but believed that it had a responsibility to present the ways younger artists with links to either victims or perpetrators of the Holocaust were grappling with their respective legacies" (Greenberg, 105). Many museums follow this same motif. I believe this to be one of the many beauties of art. Quite often exhibitions express controversial subjects. This is to create a reaction from the viewer, whether it be positive or negative.

I believe the exhibition to be very innovative, original, and controversial. It questions our society's perception of reality. The curator, Norman Kleeblatt, based the exhibition on a number of premises about representation and reality. My personal favorite was number 5: Everyone has a moral responsibility when confronted with evil, but translating that responsibility into effective action does not always occur. This statement is very true of our culture and it relates well to the exhibition.

I found it interesting that the exhibition consisted of 19 works from 13 different artists. These artists were from all over the world. I believe this to be an important aspect of the exhibition because it includes perceptions of the Holocaust from people that might not have been directly affected. By providing various interpretations of the Holocaust, viewers are able to see different perceptions of the subject. I also found it interesting that this exhibition was the first to "use imagery from the Nazi era to explore the nature of evil" (Greenberg, 107). This further explains why the piece was so contentious. The nature of evil impacts all of us personally in one way or another. Whether we choose to discuss it or become aware of it is another thing. This exhibition pushed viewers to explore that aspect of their lives.

It seems as though the work was criticized from the start and destined to maintain negative opinions. I think this is what makes the exhibition stand out. Despite all the disapproval, it is still talked about today and will be remembered for expressing such a sensitive subject.