Jerusalem Art Guide - December

I.

Exhibition: The Art of Utopia
Artists: Various Artists
Venue: Van Leer Institute Jerusalem
Dates: Until March 8th 2018

The Art of Utopia is an international graphic art exhibition reflecting on the idea of the perfect world. This idea has existed for millennia, but the dawn of modernity and the belief that man can create such perfection on his own has given birth to myriad utopian ideas in occidental thought. The Art of Utopia displays posters by 35 renowned artists from around the globe, presenting their take on the possibilities and dangers of the concept of the perfect world. 

II.

Exhibition: Partial Portrait: Fragmented Identities
Artists: Various Artists
Venue: Jerusalem Artists’ House
Dates: On view until January 27th 2018

The exhibition “Partial Portrait” explores the constant tension between the recognition that identities are a jigsaw puzzle of overlapping, clashing, connecting, and retreating parts, and our conviction that we know others. The works by Michal Heiman, Aram Gershuni, Yaron Lapid, and Assaf Shaham resonate the fragmentation of identity as an extensive, broad phenomenon. 

Yaron Lapid, Patterns (03), 2015, photographic composite from found image

III.

Exhibition: Jerusalem in Detail
Artist/s: Aviad Bar-Ness and Asaf Evron
Venue: Israel Museum
Dates: Until January 27th 2018

The exhibition was inspired by David Kroyanker's research, foremost chronicler of Jerusalem architecture, this exhibition focuses on often overlooked but highly symbolic design motifs hidden in the Jerusalem’s streets and buildings. It enables visitors to hone their observational skills and discover the functional and decorative details that say so much about the many nations, cultures, and ways of life that left their mark over the centuries. The display spotlights Jerusalem’s cosmopolitan visual richness and whets the appetite for further exploration of the city.

Take a tour with Jenna in Jerusalem to discover more!

Jerusalem Art Guide - October

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.  

Image: Avner Sher, Alternative Topographies

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.

Image: Inas Halabi, Letters to Fritz and Paul

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.”

Image: Neil Folber Gallery Taking Measures

Image: Ronit Agassi at Ticho House, Jerusalem

Take a tour with Jenna or join her public tour of the Jerusalem Biennale to discover more!