Israeli artist makes U.S. debut at National Museum of American Jewish History

Liat Segal presents "Scattered Light"

Liat Segal works on her NMAJH installation.
Jessi Melcer /Jessi Melcer Photography
Israeli contemporary artist Liat Segal, known for her new media artwork, is making her U.S. debut with a new exhibit at the National Museum of American Jewish History. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 28, Segal's "Scattered Light" will be on view through the fall.

"Scattered Light" is an artistic reinterpretation of George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island. Segal has woven together Washington's words about religious liberty with words from the museum's visitors, collected in their "It's Your Story" recording booths.

Those attending Segal's exhibit can wave an LED wand over a photosensitive surface to reveal Washington's words and those of the museum visitors. The interactive experience emphasizes a mixture of the old and the new and highlights their similarities and differences. 

Dr. Josh Perelman, the museum’s chief curator and director of exhibitions and collections, said in a statement announcing the exhibit, “What makes this installation so exciting is its weaving together of cutting-edge technology, an iconic historical document, and the thoughts and reflections of our visitors in a way that creates a whole new kind of museum experience."

Segal's multidisciplinary background includes stints as a researcher for Microsoft Innovation Labs and as a teacher at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.

Tonight, Wednesday Jan. 28, there will be an opening reception for the exhibit. Segal herself will be there to provide insight into the exhibit and to discuss the crossroads between art and technology. The reception is free, but registration is required

Thursday, Jan. 29, Segal will speak to the Young Friends of NMAJH before a cocktail reception. There also will be time for attendees to explore the exhibit.


Opening Reception

Wednesday, January 28
5-8 p.m. | Free, but registration required

Young Friends of NMAJH Curated Cocktails

Thursday, January 29
6-8 p.m. | Free for Young Friends members, $12 for non-members

National Museum of American Jewish History
101 S. Independence Mall East
(215) 923-3811