Cross-cultural creativity

Exhibit highlights common ground between Jewish and Native American cultures

What do the Trail of Tears and the Night of Broken Glass have in common? A new exhibit at the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art answers that question in many different ways. 

“Ancient Ways, Modern Forms” highlights the shared history between Native American and Jewish cultures. When curator Karen York asked the Southeast Indian Arts Association to contribute pieces for the exhibit, they responded with amazing pottery, sculpture, painting, photography, clothing and more. 

“Our mission isn’t just to serve the Jewish community, but also to build connections across communities,” York said.

Tribal values, like respect for elders, caring for the community and passing wisdom down through the generations, are one focus of the exhibit. The works also recall the atrocities endured by both Native Americans and Jews. 

Some pieces, like Molly Murphy Adams’ “Beaded Mezuzot,” blend aspects of both Jewish and Native American cutlures and traditions. Others are more abstract, as in Michael Elizondo’s “Mere Extraction,” a jagged, abstract installation whose name evokes ethnic cleansing and removals. In “He Lied,” Jeff Edwards uses Cherokee text to overlay the face of Thomas Jefferson on the blood red stripes of the American flag. 

"Ancient Ways: Modern Forms" runs Feb. 5 through April 2 at The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art // 2021 E. 71st Street // Closed on Saturdays // Opening reception Feb. 12 from 5-7 p.m. // www.jewishmuseum.net.

Want more stories like this? Check out our Q&A with perceptual artist Jason Wilson or read about Cherokee sculptor Eddie Morrison.