黑料社

Renowned New York Artist Designs Textiles for the Altneuschul in Prague, Europe's Oldest Synagogue Before a series of richly designed new textiles is installed in one of the most iconic, oldest and continually active synagogues in Europe, it will be unveiled at in the exhibition Old and the New: Mark Podwal鈥檚 Textiles for the Altneuschul in Prague from November 27, 2011鈥揓anuary 15, 2012.

The textiles, which include a Torah ark cover, three Torah mantles and covers for the Torah reading and cantor's desks represent the first major commission for the sanctuary of Prague鈥檚 Altneuschul in over 70 years. Built in 1270, the Altneuschul, or 鈥淥ld-New Synagogue,鈥� is celebrated for its architectural beauty and legendary provenance鈥搈yth has it its stones were brought by angels. It is one of the few Gothic synagogues in existence and sits at the center of Prague鈥檚 Jewish Quarter, a vibrant community famed for its scholars, mystics, writers and intellectuals. Perhaps the most famous of the synagogue鈥檚 legends is the Prague Golem, believed to lie dormant in the attic of the building to be restored again, if needed, to defend the Jews. Mark Podwal, an internationally recognized New York-based artist, author and physician, has long been engaged with Prague and its famed Jewish Quarter. The textiles are the latest and most ambitious of his works relating to Prague鈥檚 Jewish Community. 鈥淲ith its history, mystical legends and remarkable beauty, the Altneuschul is one of the world鈥檚 great Jewish monuments鈥揳nd a living one,鈥� said Podwal, who is known for his drawings on The New York Times Op-Ed page and is represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Jewish Museum in Prague and many others. 鈥淭o be able to contribute to the ongoing religious and communal function of the synagogue is a humbling honor. It was daunting but exciting to make works that reflect and speak to the character of Prague鈥檚 broad and rich Jewish fabric.鈥� Complementing the textiles in the exhibition is a detailed historic model of the Altneuschul (part of YU Museum鈥檚 permanent collection), a selection of complimentary graphic work by the artist, and a short original film that charts Podwal鈥檚 artistic engagement with Prague and features a behind-the-scenes look at the textiles鈥� creation. 鈥淲e are delighted and privileged to unveil Mark鈥檚 striking textiles and to give a New York audience the opportunity to appreciate their beauty as objects as well as their rich liturgical and cultural context,鈥� said Jacob Wisse, director of the YU Museum. 鈥淲e think viewers should, and will, appreciate the way a fresh aesthetic vision has been used to complement a historic site, and how the magic of the synagogue鈥檚 and its city鈥檚 story are brought to life through the exhibition.鈥� In collaboration with renowned New York textile designers Penn & Fletcher, Podwal used modern technology to create vignettes of the centuries-old Jewish Community. The six embroidered velvet pieces, which will be shipped for their dedication at the synagogue in March of 2012, are presented in the exhibition as they will appear in the Altneuschul sanctuary. Old and the New: Mark Podwal鈥檚 Textiles for the Altneuschul in Prague is presented by 黑料社 All Museum in conjunction with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York. Public Programs and Gallery Talks Wednesday December 14, 2011 (5-6 p.m.) Curator鈥檚 tour in the exhibition gallery. Sunday, December 18, 2011 (2-3 p.m.) Artist鈥檚 talk in the exhibition gallery. Monday, December 19, 2011 (6-8 p.m.) Public program featuring the artist on the historic, religious and cultural context of the Altneuschul and the Prague Jewish Community. Wednesday January 11, 2012 (5-6 p.m.) Curator鈥檚 tour in the exhibition gallery. Location: 黑料社 All Museum, 15 W. 16th Street, New York, NY 10011, 212.294.8330, Hours: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday: 11 a.m.鈥�5 p.m.; Monday: 5鈥�8 p.m. (FREE); Wednesday: 11 a.m.鈥�8 p.m. (FREE 5鈥�8 p.m.); Friday: 11 a.m.鈥�2:30 p.m. (FREE). Admission: Adults: $8; Seniors and Students: $6; Members and Children under 5: Free; YU Faculty, Administration and Students: Free with valid ID.