Hipsters & Hassids
Hipsters & Hassids is a series of paintings that present the similarities these two Brooklyn communities share despite their obvious differences. These two groups intrigued Elke because she is an artist and a religious Jew, often finding herself caught between the two worlds.
The painting series consists of 25 works which premiered on February 13, 2010 to an audience of 500 people. The opening included in attendance Hassidic Jews and self-identified hipsters from Williamsburg as well as young and old from all backgrounds. Since the series premiered it has inspired other projects, including the blog hasidorhipster.tumblr.com.
The paintings in pairs are meant to be presented with the hipster side on the left, and Hassidic version of the same story on the right.
Gottleib’s Deli, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 24×12 in.
A landmark delicatessen in Hassidic Williamsburg whose menu and service remain unchanged since their inception. The building’s façade is surrounded by traditional kosher foods. Paired with “Kellog’s Diner”.
Kellog’s Diner, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 24×12 in.
A prominent Hipster hangout in North Williamsburg featuring a popular mixture of milk and meat products. The diner is a symbol for the sustainability of vintage institutions because of the hipster influx. Paired with “Gottleib’s Deli”.
Hipster Rocker, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 18×24 in.
Indie musicians performing on stage, enthusiastically moving to music. Bright comic-book inspired emphasis marks and colors elaborate on the figures. Paired with “Hassid Dancing”.
Hassid Dancing, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 18×24 in.
Classic rendering of a Hassid dancing, reflecting the pose of the Hipster Rocker. Although they come from different worlds and express their connection in different ways, they both leap with simcha (joy). Paired with “Hipster Rocker”.
What do you do?
Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point. If you sell something, use this space to describe it in detail and tell us why we should make a purchase. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this.
Record Shopping, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 18×24 in. Private collection.
Hipsters meticulously selecting the perfect vinyl album that will compliment their collection or be utilized in a performance. Paired with “Lulav and Esrog Shopping”.
What do you do?
Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point. If you sell something, use this space to describe it in detail and tell us why we should make a purchase. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this.
Lulav and Esrog Shopping, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 18×24 in.
Street venders in Brooklyn selling ceremonial Esrogs (citrons) for the holiday of Sukkot. The customers are participating in the Jewish practice to select the most beautiful Esrog they can afford. Paired with “Record Shopping”.
2am Loft Party, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 60×36 in.
Also known as ‘Where’s Waldo’, this Hipster celebration is full of young people yearning to be unique who end up conforming to their own limited style. This painting features the color red prominently, which is never to be worn by the Hassids. The characters’ expressions are lifeless, no one is looking at each other and even the performing DJ does not hold anyone’s attention. Paired with “2am Tisch”.
2am Tisch, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 60×36 in.
A traditional Hassidic celebration that features drinking and eating, singing and dancing, and deep spiritual discussions that go well into the night. Purple and blue hues give the illusion of monotone referencing the traditional black and white dress of the group, but add the element of warmth that is felt in the celebration. Paired with “2am Loft Party”.
Music Hall of Williamsburg, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 15×30 in.
Landmark of the Williamsburg Indie music scene. Showing the massive audience emphasizes the popularity of live performance in Hipster culture and the lack of audience for Yiddish theater today. Paired with “Yiddish Theater”.
Yiddish Theater, 2010. Acrylic on canvas, 30×15 in.
Traditional Yiddish theater production performed in the old world style. What was once a staple of the Jewish community has become nostalgia for most, with the Hassids being one of the few groups to preserve Yiddish as the common language. Paired with “Music Hall of Williamsburg”.