The Papercut Haggadah

The artist Archie Granot was commissioned to create this Haggadah.  The piece is 55 pages long, weighing over five pounds. 

Haggadah is the text recited the first two nights of passover at the Seder, or ceremonial dinner.  Haggadahs are historically known to be beautiful, illustrative and ornate—elements that Granot thoughtfully preserves with the intricacy of his own style.  Granot incorporates abstract shapes rather than the traditional use of figurative imagery to represent elements of Passover and Biblical references.  

The paper cutting medium is a Jewish art tradition that goes back into the 18th century in Europe.  This is modernized by Granot's use of a surgical scalpel to illustrate. This work took over a decade to complete due to its intricate and emotional nature, as well as profound cultural and religious significance.  Granot's art connects a rich artistic and religious history to that of his art-making, sustaining past tradition with new imagery and style.