Mimi Huszti Finds her Heritage in Surrealism
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Havurah on August 29, 2024.
Mimi Huszti is a 20-year old Jewish-Canadian interdisciplinary artist born in the prairies, now studying film production at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver. Mimi is primarily a filmmaker and visual artist, but has recently discovered ways to merge many art forms in unique ways, such as creating multi-media collage animation projects and live scrim-screen performances.
Mimi likes to create art that incorporates surreal and dreamlike elements to twist and challenge reality, using mixed media to convey an array of themes including introspection, anxiety, personal change, femininity, absurdity, and many more. Blending use of raw materials with modern, digital techniques aids in uniquely expressing these themes to their very fullest. Mimi has been discovering and furthering her Jewish identity since joining Hillel at her university, and has in turn been transforming her art to reflect to a greater extent the Jewish ideology of peace, reparation, and unity.
As a college student, Mimi has found the opportunity to reconnect with her Jewish heritage, a facet of her identity that had receded during her high school years. Amidst a predominantly non-Jewish social circle, her Jewish identity had remained largely dormant, with few avenues for expression. However, upon relocating to Vancouver and discovering Hillel, Mimi encountered a vibrant community where she could engage with peers who share both the challenges and joys of Jewish life. Although not strictly religious, she found a meaningful space to explore her identity and connect with others who understand the nuanced experience of being Jewish.
“My art is who I am and I am Jewish”
Being a creative individual has provided Mimi with both a medium and a platform to articulate her insights and express her Jewish identity through artistic endeavors. Her art serves as an extension of herself, intertwining her creative vision with her cultural heritage. Through her exploration of Jewish symbols and narratives, Mimi has deepened her understanding of Judaism, utilizing her art to convey these rich traditions. She mentions, “I am learning through a symbiotic process, and have never been more motivated to dig deeper”.
In response to the current antisemitism on campuses, Mimi sought to deepen her connection to her Jewish identity. She engaged with Hillel, began attending services, and immersed herself in Israeli podcasts and Jewish music. This period of reflection revealed her previous lack of knowledge about her own culture and ignited a desire to effect meaningful change, which she has begun to incorporate into her art. Despite the adversity, Mimi remains grateful for the support of her non-Jewish friends and family, who have stood by her amidst considerable pressure.
Mimi’s artistic practice is characterized by its surreal, witty, and perspective-warping qualities. Her work spans a range of styles, from vivid color compositions to precise, monochromatic drawings, and from hyper-realistic portrayals to playful caricatures. She embraces the multi-dimensionality of her creativity, refusing to confine herself to a singular style or theme. This eclectic approach extends to her Jewish art, which she creates not out of obligation but as a natural expression of her identity. The incorporation of Jewish themes into her work varies in prominence, reflecting her evolving understanding and connection to her heritage.
