‘Rabbinic trips’: NY exhibit blends groovy psychedelic counterculture, Jewish tradition

An innovative exhibition in New York City is merging the vibrant, groovy aesthetics of 1960s and 70s counterculture with deep-rooted Jewish traditions. Titled "Psychedelicatessen: A Powerful Dose of Art by Steve Marcus," the show at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and the Center for Jewish History showcases 30 original works by visual artist Steve Marcus.

The exhibit draws inspiration from Marcus's personal journey, encompassing his youthful "psychedelic bent" and his midlife turn toward Jewish observance. It features a range of art styles, from psychedelic poster and album cover designs to reworked comic strips and caricatures. Playful pieces include homages to the daily Talmud study practice (Daf Yomi), Ashkenazi Passover traditions like Slivovitz brandy, and historic rabbis such as Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides), all rendered with a distinct psychedelic flair.

Marcus hopes the exhibit will serve as a catalyst for bringing people together. He shared an anecdote about introducing a tattooed MMA fighter friend to an Orthodox rabbi, illustrating how his art and life experiences connect disparate individuals. "Art and creativity should bring people together," Marcus stated. "Global hegemony is terrible, it’s the differences that make the world a less boring place."

His career has seen collaborations with diverse figures, from museum curators and rock stars to psychedelic pioneers and poets. Marcus's hand-drawn works are held in several permanent museum collections, including The Jewish Museum of Florida and The Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History in Lithuania. The free exhibition runs through December.

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Art and creativity should bring people together. Global hegemony is terrible, it’s the differences that make the world a less boring place.