Jerusalem Art Biennale to Showcase 250 Artists on 'De Profundis' Theme

The seventh Jerusalem Biennale, a major international platform for contemporary Jewish art, is set to open on September 24th. The event will feature 42 exhibitions across 21 venues in Jerusalem, presenting works by over 250 Israeli and international artists. This year's theme, "De Profundis" (From the Depths), draws from Psalm 130 and explores the intersection of memory, identity, and the aftermath of prolonged conflict through the lens of Jewish tradition and faith. Organizers stated the Biennale aims to transform grief into meaning through art.

Notable participating artists include Yehudit Sasportas, with an installation at the Tower of David Museum; Belu-Simion Fainaru as part of the Or Chozer project; and Rappaport Prize laureate Hanita Ilan, who will have a solo exhibition at the Hamifall Gallery. The exhibition program includes "Open Wound," curated by Udi Urman, featuring 14 Israeli and diaspora artists, and "Or Chozer (Reflected Light): Active Vision," co-curated by Dr. David Sperber and artist Porat Salomon. This latter exhibition contrasts contemporary art with Mordechai Ardon's windows, which reflect Isaiah's prophecy of peace.

American-Israeli artist Karon Tabib, under the curatorship of Dr. Alissa Shapiro, will present a multimedia project titled "At First Glance," examining associations with the color white in Jewish ritual and burial traditions. The Jerusalem Biennale has been held since 2013, providing a space for artists to engage in dialogue rooted in Jewish thought, spirituality, and experience.