A Collage of Customs, Iconic Jewish Woodcuts Revised for the Twenty-First Century

The Museum at Eldridge Street is proud to present "A Collage of Customs, Iconic Jewish Woodcuts Revised for the Twenty-First Century," an exhibition featuring the work of acclaimed artist and writer Mark Podwal. 

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A Collage of Customs features Podwal’s inventive interpretations of woodcuts from the 16th-century Sefer Minhagim (Book of Customs).

The works combine lighthearted, imaginative whimsy with insightful commentary on Jewish customs and history. His work not only injects a sense of playfulness into religious objects and practices, but also invites deeper contemplation and appreciation of their significance. Through his art and accompanying text, Podwal offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of Jewish culture. The exhibition is on loan from the Skirball Museum at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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"We are delighted to be showcasing this stunning exhibition by the renowned artist, Mark Podwal," said Bonnie Dimun, Executive Director of the Museum at Eldridge Street. "This is his second exhibition at the Museum at Eldridge Street. His work is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of Jewish culture, and we are honored to be able to share it with our visitors."

Mark Podwal has written and illustrated more than a dozen books and has illustrated more than two dozen works by such authors as Elie Wiesel, Heinrich Heine, Harold Bloom, and Francine Prose. He is represented in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Gallery Prague, the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford, and Jewish museums in Berlin, Vienna, Prague, and New York, among others. He has received honors including being named Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture, and the Gratias Agit Prize from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His book, A Collage of Customs, prepared to accompany this exhibition, offers in-depth commentary on each image in the series. Podwal is represented by Forum Gallery, New York and has exhibited there since 1977.

Visit www.eldridgestreet.org/events for updates on additional programs and events. 

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A Collage of Customs and related programs at the Museum at Eldridge Street are made possible, in part, by the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.