Chicago artist Lilach Schrag traveled to Jerusalem in September to participate in the opening of the Jerusalem Biennial for Contemporary Jewish Art, where her video work was featured.

The Jerusalem Biennial runs in 10 locations throughout Jerusalem now through Nov. 5. Over 100 visual artists from around the globe are presenting various approaches to Jewish content and Jewish experience. Schrag’s work, Elijah Elijah , is on display in a show called “The Fine Line,” curated by Susan Nashman Fraiman.

Elijah Elijah is part of Schrag’s ongoing Shiviti series of works. Inspired by the illustrated meditative text, “Shiviti,” in which Jews profess, “I have God always in front of me,” the works invite introspection by giving visual representation to a thought.

“Several years ago, I participated in an artist residency on an island off the coast of Maine,” Schrag recounted. “I was fascinated by the character of the Biblical prophet Elijah, a magical, complex spiritual leader, the ever-present comforter, and herald of better days in Jewish tradition.”

Schrag beautified three old chairs with paint, mirrors, and copper, and engraved the words Elijah Elijah, echoing the shout that accompanied the prophet’s ascent to heaven. Then, on a foggy afternoon, with two dozen people as her audience, she set the chairs on fire, creating a surreal ritual, sharing awe and praise.

Elijah Elijah contains two clips, each running in a loop, representing two aspects of human existence: One screen shows the glorious burning of three chairs to the sound of dramatic music, while the other reflects mundane moments of unawareness, and of human efforts and interaction.

In her artwork she uses a variety of materials from steel, plaster, canvas, paper and paint, to found objects, photographs, and video work. Focusing on the process, she documents traces of action in materials, attempting to capture fleeting moments of serenity or fragile transformative encounters, understand their impact, and preserve them.

Lilach Schrag was born and raised in Israel. In 2000 she moved to Chicago along with her husband and three sons.

You can see more of Lilach Schrag’s artwork at www.lilachschrag.com . To read about the Jerusalem Biennial go to http://www.jerusalembiennale.org/