4th Jerusalem Biennale for Contemporary Jewish Art to feature 200 Israeli and International Artists, 30 Exhibitions and 14 Venues

September 1, 2019
Israel Dahan, Hanukkah Lamp, Photo credit: Amir Menahem.

The 4th Jerusalem Biennale for Contemporary Jewish Art, which explores the intersection between contemporary art and the Jewish world of content, will this year take as its theme For Heaven’s Sake! (LeShem Shamayim).The 2019 Jerusalem Biennale, which showcases the work of 200 professional Israeli and international artists in 30 exhibitions and projects exhibited in 14 venues around the city, will run October 10 – November 28, 2019. Artists (Jewish and non-Jewish) from the USA, UK, Europe, Morocco and Argentina are participating alongside artists from Israel.

Jean-Pierre Weill Leaving the Garden (2018). Photo credit: Jerusalem Fine Art Print Ltd.

For Heaven’s Sake! (LeShem Shamayim) will allow an exploration of the motivation for action in general, and for artistic creation in particular, as well as the Jewish tradition of dispute. For Heaven’s Sake! refers to the well-known verse: “Any dispute which is for the sake of Heaven will ultimately endure, and one which is not for the sake of Heaven will not ultimately endure.” The dynamic, sometimes challenging, process of seeking truth, even in mundane matters, is connected at its core to this tradition of dispute. It is a path which empowers mankind’s quest to repair the world, and along the way, perhaps even find transcendence.

Pesi Girsch, Angel (2015). Photo by the artist.

Jerusalem Biennale venues include The Jerusalem International YMCA building; the Wolfson Museum for Jewish Art, Hechal Shlomo; Museum of the Underground Prisoners; the The Taube Family Campus, Hebrew Union College; and others.

Marina Abramovic, Waterfall (2000-2003). Courtesy of the Marina Abramovic Archives and MOMA.

Gallery talks, panel discussions with artists and curators, music and dance performances will be available, as well as private and group tours guided in English and Hebrew. Tours in additional languages can be arranged on request and based on availability – tours@jerusalembiennale.org. Each venue will have its own opening event.

Leora Wise, Venice Jerusalem (2019). Photo by the artist.

The Jerusalem Biennale is supported by The Leichtag Foundation, The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, The Lambert Family Foundation, Matthew and Melanie Bronfman, The Leir Charitable Foundations, The Smart Foundation, The Jerusalem Foundation, The Russel Berrie Foundation and private donors, as well as The Israel Ministry of Culture, The Jerusalem Municipality and The Jerusalem Development Authority.