Hadassah Art Gallery rises up with the help of Jerusalem's art show Manofim.
By RACHEL F. WANETIKart milestones 248(photo credit: )
Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah is nestled in the German Colony down a short driveway on 7A Dor v'Dorshav. Beyond the gate, one will find two large buildings that house immigrants and some native Israelis, offices, Center Stage Theater, and a modest-sized art gallery. It is true that the gallery was opened to the public a few years ago but the official recognition by the art world of Jerusalem is happening now. Ofra Zucker, curator of the Hadassah Art Gallery as she named it, says, "The room was called Rakefet because it was painted a light lavender color like the cyclamen flower and was used as a multi-purpose space. It was decided that the room would be well-suited to showcase the art of new immigrants and already-established budding Israeli artists. We added a parquet floor and lighting and voila we had our gallery."
Since its inception in 2005, there have been 30 exhibitions at the gallery, representing over 80 artists. Opening nights generally attracted friends and family of the artists with about 150 people in attendance. Just a few months ago, a collaborative art exhibit attracted curators as well, including Timna Seligman of Beit Ticho, who helped the Hadassah Art Gallery rise to fame.
Zucker adds, "There is art everywhere. Despite the fact that Tel Aviv is considered by many to be the art and culture hub, Jerusalem has its fair share of art and artists. We started our gallery a while ago, but it was our most recent exhibit of works from a group of artists from the Golan Heights which were on display in coordination with The Open House, which put us on the map." The map is also literal as in the map that Manofim (Lift-Off), the current Jerusalem art show open through September 17, printed with walking paths of the galleries and alternative spaces in various parts of the city. These red guides will be available throughout the year.
Even though Manofim is already in full swing, with most openings having taken place last Saturday night, the Hadassah Art Gallery's opening will be on September 14 complete with seasonal apples and honey and musical accompaniment. The exhibit called "Out of Context" shows the photography and mixed media of Tahel Cristina Brody and the paintings of Ryan Rakover. On September 16, there will be a gallery talk with the artists for free.
An artist in her own right, Zucker notes, "What Manofim has done in showing new art on such a massive scale throughout Jerusalem challenges the notion that Tel Aviv is the only art center. It speaks to me because my painted photography is about the contrasts of the two cities. I feel honored that our gallery is part of such a dynamic event."
Hadassah Art Gallery hours Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 4. (02) 561-9165 ext. 204
Please note: Last week's event box on Manofim showed a work by Ruth Kestenbaum Ben-Dov on exhibit at Artspace Gallery, 5 Hazefira
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