Artist: Joseph Adams
Title: Deborah
Medium: Original Engraving
Artist Statement:
In juxtaposition to the men in the Book of Judges, Deborah gives a model of what anti-patriarchy looks like. Instead of demanding praise for her leadership, she shares both responsibility and glory equally, supporting women against selfish abusive men. In my telling, Deborah supports Yael, who has been victimized but has found her strength to fight back. At the same time, with one hand she broadcasts her praise of this strong woman, and in the other she holds a scroll; the word of God that accuses every evildoer. Perhaps it brings to mind other documents that bring down powerful abusive men. Deborah has always been my favorite character in the Bible; fierce, fiery, and feminine.