‘Jews of Today’ Art and Irony in an Examination of Hasidic Dress

JEWISH ART NOW
By Elke Reva Sudin
"Sumi Ink on Arches Hot Press Paper″
NEW YORK---There are two ways people typically explore Hasidic subjects through art. It is either a sensitive portrayal of a tradition they are a part of, or an outsider’s perspective on a strange and unique culture. Brooklyn based artist Michael Levin has done both, and quite successfully at that. In his new series “Jews of Today” opening July 20th at the 7 Dunham in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Levin explores the nuances and contradictions of Hasidic ritual dress through a series of elegant drawings and explanations, delving into larger issues of Jewishness and cultural identity in the process. [link]
Six Styles of Sidelock (Payos)