Exploring Tradition Through Abstraction: Frank Stella’s ‘Had Gadya’ Comes to DU
A series of paintings based on a well-known Passover song by the influential 20th century modern artist are on display now in Anderson Academic Commons.
The stairs to the top floor of the library are calm and quiet. But as you move towards the back corner, visual fireworks emerge: purple-striped cones, blue and orange lines, and bursts of pink and green offer a dramatic contrast to the library's muted wall tones.
This is artist Frank Stella’s “Had Gadya” painting series, presented by the University Libraries in collaboration with the Center for Judaic Studies. It is on display now through April 7 in Anderson Academic Commons (AAC).
Stella (1936-2024) was an influential 20th century modern artist known for abstract art that pushed boundaries with its use of color and movement to explore narrative. Over the course of his career, he engaged in minimalism, geometric painting, and large-scale sculptural works. His work has been shown at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Denver Art Museum, among other national and international venues.
The series was inspired by the work of Russian artist El Lissitzky, who created a series of drawings based on the centuries-old Passover song, “Had Gadya.” Meaning “One Little Goat” in English, “Had Gadya” is a song in which each line builds on the previous one:
Then came fire and burnt the stick, that beat the dog, that bit the cat, that ate the goat
That Father bought for two zuzim, had gadya, had gadya.
This mixing of tradition and modern art into a narrative of its own is part of Stella's legacy.
Madison Sussman, assistant professor and exhibit librarian at the University Libraries, notes that while the series is an abstract departure from El Lissitzky’s drawings, “It still maintains that sort of frantic, building, cumulative feeling. You can’t see the cat, you can’t see the dog, but you kind of feel them in there.”
The exhibition, which is located on the upper level of the AAC, is free of charge and open to the public during the building’s standard hours of operation. Photography without flash is permitted.
An Evening of Art and Story: Frank Stella’s ‘Had Gadya’ in Conversation
To celebrate this work at DU, the University of Denver Libraries and the Center for Judaic Studies are hosting An Evening of Art and Story: Frank Stella’s “Had Gadya" in Conversation. Join the conversation on April 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Kvidstad Special Events Room (ACC Room 290), where beer, wine, mocktails, and appetizers will be served.
At the heart of the event is a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m., featuring two distinguished scholars of modern art and Jewish narratives:
Dr. Adam Rovner, professor of English and Jewish literature, University of Denver Center for Judaic Studies
Dean Sobel, professor of the practice of art history and museum studies, and founding director of the Clyfford Still Museum
If you would like to attend, please RSVP here. Those unable to attend in person may participate virtually. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
The AAC and “Had Gadya” have the following opening hours:
Monday–Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
During spring break (March 22nd-March 30th), the hours are:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
