“Sheree Hovsepian: Portraits of Young Jewish Women.”

Description
Hovsepian's photographic portraits continue the Spertus's free Ground-Level Projects series. The SAIC alum poses her five subjects against glowing all-white backdrops that suggest a higher plane—but their aloof expressions are more appropriate for the lower level of Barneys. Hovsepian's examining “Middle Eastern envy,” the idea that Jews find it easier to assimilate into American culture than their Middle Eastern counterparts. The problem is, her work fails to convey that goal on its own, revealing neither her identity as an Iranian-American nor the young women's Jewishness. The artist raises original questions, however, and from a formal perspective her photographs are remarkably compelling. Through Oct 18.—LW