Frank Stella: Had Gadya

Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA
April 4, 2024–September 1, 2024

Organized by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion and co-presented with the Skirball Cultural Center. Guest curator Ivy Weingram, in coordination with Jean Bloch Rosensaft, Director, Heller Museum, HUC-JIR/New York.

Photography by Robert Wedemeyer, and Veronica Tsai (last 3 photos)

This exhibition explores the power of traditional Jewish storytelling as a constant source of inspiration for creative expression. It centers on the beloved traditional song, "Had Gadya," sung around the world for centuries at the Jewish holiday of Passover. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a striking series of twelve large prints by renowned American artist Frank Stella (1936–2024). These dramatic pieces are presented in dialogue with a colorful series of lithographs by Russian Jewish modern artist El Lissitzky (1890–1941) that illustrate the verses of "Had Gadya," created over half a century earlier.

Throughout the gallery, visitors have the opportunity to listen to different versions of the song—from different times, regions, and traditions—and are encouraged to ask their own questions about what it means today. A “framed” interactive area prompted visitors to role play using cut-outs of the characters in the song. The unique props, hand drawn by graphic and experience designer Veronica Tsai, reinterpret the two graphics styles of Stella and El Lissitzky, and allow visitors to create their own version of Had Gadya.