Tonight a new art exhibit by a young Jewish artist exploring the difference between the faith-based meaning and the slang meaning of kosher will be opening in Hillel.
The Jewish artist, Fawn Krieger, will be displaying a collection of her work, titled Treyf
which is slang for things that are not kosher, or taboo. The collection, which consists of 20 digitally created images of food, is the result of Krieger's process of exploring this concept.
These are a series of drawings that we thought would help create dialogue about Jewish food and keeping kosher said Rabbi Danielle LeShaw of Hillel.
Kashrut are the regulations that govern whether food is kosher, give instructions for the slaughter of animals and outline other dietary restrictions for Jews. The dietary rules include not eating some animals and never eating meat with dairy products. These rules originate in several books of the Torah.
According to Krieger's artist's statement, The idea of what is kosher and what is not has expanded past food to terms of acceptability or conduct within our culture.
The images in the collection focus on numerous pieces of meat, butter, cheese and milk placed together in arrangements. Because meat and dairy products are not allowed to be eaten together, these foods are placed together, making them treyf.
The drawings, which have been on display before, were created using a computer program.
Krieger said Treyf is the first collection that deals extensively with her Jewish heritage.
The collection is also a way for Krieger to contrast the different meanings kosher can take in Jewish and American culture.
When something is kosher in America
it's not necessarily food acknowledged and blessed by the appropriate Jewish food officials; it's a signal everything's OK
that everything is legal and clean
according to Krieger's artist's statement.
During the summer, the Hillel facilities were enlarged to accommodate more activities and programs.
One of our visions for our new space was to invite visiting artists to show Jewish work
LeShaw said.
Krieger is the first artist to show work in the space. Future artists have not been announced, but the next display tentatively is scheduled for the fall. Hillel will be applying for grants to bring in future artists.
Krieger said she will attend the opening. Although she has no plans to give a formal speech, she will be available for conversation and questions.
Following the opening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hillel, there will be a wine-and-cheese reception.
After the opening, the collection can be viewed until March 16 during Hillel's operating hours, noon to 4 p.m.
Krieger's visit also will expose students to a new voice in the field.
I feel like it's really important for students to meet young working artists who are out there doing their artwork
selling their artwork
LeShaw said.
Jewish students might not be aware of the opportunity to meet the visiting artists.
Ben Boorstein, a freshmen Jewish philosophy student, said he was unaware of the event but glad that Jewish artists would be visiting to add diversity to the campus atmosphere.
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