Wrapped Up is an artistic perspective on the religious repression of women within the Jewish faith. The straps that wrap the sculpture are emblematic of the Jewish Tefillin, which are worn by observant Jewish men during prayer. The Tefillin are primarily reserved for men's religious practices and many sects within the Jewish faith prohibit women from using them. In this piece, the straps wrap the female figure in a restrictive way—confining her in place while simultaneous highlighting her feminine qualities. Feminine struggle within the Jewish faith is an ongoing narrative within Israeli society, in which ancient religious traditions continue to clash with the feminist movement.
Several of the straps are embedded with a revised text of the traditional Jewish prayer recited by Jewish men: “Thank you God, for not making me a woman.” The prayer is revised to read, “Thank you God for making me a woman,” evoking the feminist sentiments of modern Israelis and reclaiming the religious freedom of Jewish women.
Part of The Silent Voice Of Costume Design Exhibit
Mentors: Ana Kuzmanic and Linda Roethke
Materials: Felt, Mannequin, Cardboard, Acrylic Paint
Lead Artisan: Pamela Brailey
Lighting Design: Avi Sheehan, Seo Jung Jang