The philospher and theologian Martin Buber retold the anecdotes of the Hasidic leaders, conveying their character and wisdom to modern readers. The sophisticated "primitivism" of Luis Camnitzer's woodblock prints captures the spirit of the masters represented in Buber's work: Isreal ben Eliezer ("Baal Shem Tov, " 1700-1760), the founder of the Hasidic movement, and his grandson Barukh of Mezbizh (d. 1811); Dov Baer of Mezritch ("The Great Maggid," d. 1772), and his son Abraham ("The Angel," d. 1776).
This portfolio represents Camnitzer's last work executed in an expressionist style. In his current work, the artist creates highly political statements through installations and assemblages of appropirated texts, photographs, and objects.