“Traitor, an apostate”
Asher Lev declares, “I am an observant Jew. Yes, of course, observant Jews do not paint crucifixions. As a matter of fact, observant Jews do not paint at all-in the way that I am painting. So strong words are being written and spoken about me, myths are being generated: I am a traitor, an apostate, a self-hater, an inflicter of shame upon my family, my friends, my people; also, I am a mocker of ideas sacred to Christians, a blasphemous manipulator of modes and forms revered by Gentiles for two thousand years.” The metaphorical “traitor and apostate” is grounded on Lev’s art which entails painting the crucifixion which is contrary to his religion. Partaking a trade which contravenes the expectations of his religion.
Vehicles
Lev elucidates, “The fact is that gossip, rumours, mythmaking, and news stories are not appropriate vehicles for the communication of nuances of truth, those subtle tonalities that are often truly crucial elements in a causal chain.” The metaphoric vehicles relates to avenues which are exploited when relaying information. Lev holds that some avenues are used in propagating falsehoods instead of truth. He knows the truth about his life and writing is an ideal vehicle for him to communicate and debunk all the falsehoods which have been spared by the vehicles outlined above.
