By JOANIE MARGULIES • FEBRUARY 17, 2024 08:36
What is this about:
The Jerusalem Bible Lands Museum unveils “Splinters from the Storm,” a new art exhibition channeling the perseverance and resilience of the Israeli spirit in the face of adversity.
Why it matters:
This unique exhibit showcases the enduring strength of Israel’s cultural and historical narrative, juxtaposing artifacts of rich ancestral Jewish history with contemporary artistic responses to recent challenges. As it fosters artistic expression of resilience, the exhibition also poses as a beacon of hope and catharsis in post-conflict society, illustrating Israel’s unwavering dedication to preserving its heritage and supporting its citizens through the arts.
The bigger picture:
The exhibition stands as a testimony to the unbroken continuity of Jewish presence in the land of Israel and its people’s ability to use art as a medium for healing and historical reflection.
Details:
Traditionally known for displaying ancient artifacts, the museum has now infused its space with contemporary artistic expressions—sculptures, paintings, photographs—echoing Israel’s recent experiences and hardships. Noteworthy pieces such as “When Home Doesn’t Feel Safe Anymore” and “October 2023 (2)” powerfully encapsulate the nation’s encounter with terror and tragedy, conversing with historical themes of perseverance that echo through time.
By the numbers:
More than 30 distinctive works of art deliver messages of hope and rebirth. Some encompass tragic reflections of loss, others surface as odes to survival and resilience—each augmenting the next in a choreography of visual dialogues that binds millennia.
On record:
“In place of those valuable antiquities, we now have expressions of our current reality, amplifying the past in the present moment,” remarks Noa Arad Yairi, whose work is emblematic for its thematic strength and evocative power within the exhibition.
Zoom in:
The piece titled “Revolve,” resembling a ball of yarn, is notably constructed from a succession of obituaries, echoing an enduring narrative of individual and collective memory that pays tribute to Israel’s communal strength.
What’s next:
‘Splinters from the Storm’ will continue to inspire, educate, and garner critical acclaim through the end of April. Engaging Israelis and international visitors alike, it is an absolute essential visit for art enthusiasts and those wishing to understand the broader geopolitical and cultural landscape of Israel.
Event Details:
- What: ‘Splinter from the Storm’ exhibition, a reaction to the Oct. 7 atrocities
- Who: Israeli artists, interweaving Israel’s history with current sentiments
- Where: Bible Lands Museum, 21 Shmuel Stephan Weiz St.
- When: Now until April 30
- Why: Connects audiences with awe-inspiring artistic parallels between the ancient world and contemporary Israel
This story was first published on jpost.com.