Ancient Threads / New Tapestries (5786)
Each of these paintings loosely references a ritual holiday or part of the Jewish calendar year. I created them all in 5786 (i.e., the 2025-2026 academic year on the Gregorian calendar), at the times of year to which they refer.
My intent in working through this series was both to participate in a living Jewish tradition and to reject the monolithic narratives about Jewish identity and values that are propagated by many contemporary Jewish institutions.
Diaspora (Rosh Hashanah), 2025. Gouache and colored pencil on Arches paper, 30" x 22".
Atonement (Kol Nidre), 2025. Gouache on Rives BFK paper, 30" x 22".
Closing Gates (Neilah), 2025. Photograph (of an ephemeral painting made with Tyvek, Rives BFK paper, acrylic, gouache, oil paint, and thread on window).
Harvest (Sukkot), 2025. Gouache and colored pencil on Tyvek, 36" x 24".
What do the birds think? (Shemini Atzeret), 2025. Gouache and colored pencil on Tyvek, 36" x 24". This piece was inspired by an unpublished poem of the same title by Aviva Zeldman.
In a Time of Danger (Hanukkah), 2025. Children's book, drywall joint compound, graphite, gouache, fabric, wire, and reclaimed poster frame. 24" x 36." Closed curtain view.
In a Time of Danger (Hanukkah), 2025. Children's book, drywall joint compound, graphite, gouache, fabric, wire, and reclaimed poster frame. 24" x 36." Open curtain view.
Frost Line (Tu Bishvat), 2026. Gouache, oil pastel on Rives BFK paper, 22" x 30".
The King (Purim), 2026. Charcoal and acrylic gouache on Rives BFK paper, 22" x 30".
Eggs II (Passover), 2026. Acrylic and pastel on Tyvek, 24" x 24".
We Repeat and Mutate (Shavuot), 2026. Plaster, gesso, gouache, acrylic, collage, and pencil crayon on masonite, 24" x 24".
Witness (Tisha Ba'av), 2026. Plaster, gouache, acrylic, marker, collage, graphite on masonite, 24" x 24".