In her final year as a painting student at Carnegie Mellon University, artist Emily Drew Miller discovered a unique inspiration. By placing paper over an old heater and rubbing graphite across it, she created a texture reminiscent of matzah. This moment sparked a creative journey that has evolved into a personal ritual around Passover.
Now based in New York and New Jersey, Miller has integrated matzah into her artistic practice through her ongoing series titled Matzot, which began in December. Utilizing a printing press, she transforms sheets of matzah into striking collographs that highlight the intricate textures and natural fractures of the unleavened bread.
These prints not only celebrate a food traditionally consumed during Passover, which commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, but also delve into a broader political narrative. "They're ominous yet geological and ancient," Miller describes her works, which measure about seven inches square. "It feels like there are fractures."
By intentionally breaking and arranging some matzah sheets while allowing others to crumble under the press, Miller reflects on the metaphorical divisions within the Jewish community today. "The fractures in these images mirror how disconnected many Jewish people feel from one another," she notes, addressing the contrast between those rooted in tradition and those driven by contemporary political motivations.
Miller encourages viewers to engage deeply with her work. "If someone doesn't want to confront the politics of the current situation, they can simply see matzah," she explains. "But for those who look closer, there's a deeper conversation to be had."
The collographs challenge the notion of a singular Jewish perspective while emphasizing a common cultural bond. "Everyone I know, whether Reform or Orthodox, has consumed matzah," Miller reflects, highlighting food as a unifying force amid existing fractures.
Having lived in Israel and Palestine, Miller's experiences prompted her to question her upbringing's pro-Israel beliefs. During her time there, she maintained a plein air painting practice, capturing the architecture of the region and the stark contrasts of life under occupation.
"I take pride in my Jewish identity," she states, "but that pride becomes complicated when violence is carried out in the name of Jewish safety."
As Passover approaches, Miller's art serves as a reminder of the complex threads that connect the global Jewish diaspora. Matzah, consumed at Seder tables worldwide, symbolizes a shared history that transcends differences. "Our identities are multifaceted, and food like matzah unites us amid our complexities," she concludes.