A Jewish Art Form

Deborah Ugoretz was already a working artist when she saw traditional Jewish paper-cutting work for the first time. She was dazzled by this centuries- old tradition, its creative possibilities for “visualizing Judaism,” and its ability to transform a simple piece of paper intoa work of art that uses words as part of the picture. “Releasing Words: The Cut Paper Art of Deborah Ugoretz” is a retrospective show of her work, from traditional ketubot (elaborately deco- rated marriage contracts) and pieces inspired by Biblical texts and prayer to more recent work that considers the tradition as a starting point for contem- porary concepts. Through April 12, 2019, at The Museum at Eldridge Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. www.eldridgestreet.org/releasing-words