If you are visiting Jerusalem this October, the choices for unique art events and exhibitions around the city are in abundance. A few must see events include Manofim Art Festival and The Jerusalem Biennale, but below I’ve narrowed it down to a few events not to be missed.
I.
Exhibition: Alternative Topographies
Artist: Avner Sher
Venue: Tower of David Museum
Dates: October 8th to November 16th, 2017
This massive installation on the roof of the Tower of David examined the tension between eternal and the transient, a metaphysical and concrete characteristic of Jerusalem. Avner Sher researches, examines and observes the complexities that result from this tension. The exhibition contains two series, made intensively from worked cork, which refer to the constant state of change and development in the city.
II.
Exhibition: Letters to Fritz and Paul
Artist: Inas Halabi
Venue: Al Ma’Mal Foundation for Contemporary Art
Dates: October 11th to November 24th, 2017
The exhibition explores the expeditions of the Swiss second cousins, lovers and scientists, Fritz and Paul Sarasin who ventured across the Dutch and British colonies as well as parts of Africa and the Middle East between 1893-1907. Working with original material from the Ethnographic Museum of Basel's archives, Halabi explores the relationship between colonialism and science, ethnographic objects and their collectors, and the settings in which these objects have been placed.
III.
Exhibition: Manofim Contemporary Art Festival
Artist/s: Various Artists
Venue: Various Venues
Dates: October 24th to October 28th, 2017
This is the 9th annual Manofim Festival for contemporary art, a week which includes a night of exhibition openings throughout the galleries in the city and special events like gallery talks, thought provoking seminars and performances. A word from Manofim founders, Rinat Edelstein and Lee he Shuluv: “ We invite you to take a moment and linger on the city from this unique place, which overlooks the city with a stunning panoramic view. This year, the Festival’s opening night will take place entirely on Mount Scopus. In the following four days, we will wander through the inner parts of the city in the hope to answer the question: “What are we doing in this place? The question “What do we do with art?” which leads the Festival’s annual conference, is revisited in this time of political instability, social and environmental changes, and local and international cultural revolutions.”
Take a tour with Jenna or join her public tour of the Jerusalem Biennale to discover more!