The Jerusalem Show
Edition 2.1
11th – 20th October 2009

Reem Fekri

Al Mamal“The Jerusalem Show is neither a biennial nor a one-time event. It is neither a large-scale show nor an international grand exhibition. We like to see it as an attempt to intercede between the apocalyptic decadal tides of upheaval under which the city kneels, stealing time during the ebb of violence (yet sunk neck-high in hatred and discrimination) to wage an action of covert resistance to the forced hegemony of one creed and one people on the city.

In a way it can be perceived as a political action, and so we tried to garner as much support as possible from institutions, organizations, youth centers, clubs, etc., which operate in the city.

The Jerusalem Show presents works, performances, and interventions throughout the Old City as unique actions that promote a re-reading of the city in a creatively open, accessible, and interactive manner.” – Jack Persekian

The Jerusalem Show, edition 0.1 was an art exhibition that ran earlier last summer. Showcasing artists both from Palestine and overseas within the Old City of Jerusalem, it ran for ten days and encompassed a variety of works such as video, painting, photography and sculpture. Art works were installed throughout the main quarters of the Old City in the streets and alleys, on walls, at youth and community centers, playground and on rooftops. under the theme of 'Walks in the City'. The Show included a program of events that was comprised of guided tours, film screenings, Artist talks, workshops, and performances that all took place in a great variety of venues inside the old city.

Jack Persekian, the curator of the show, maintained that it was confounding to be inside the city walls and in physical contact with its infrastructure yet not able to ‘liberate ourselves from purgatory: neither to be to part of the West Bank and Gaza, nor the desire to be content with the hopeless situation, the remorseless occupation, and the unlawful annexation to Israel.’ Persekian is of Palestinian origin and was born in Jerusalem - perhaps this is why the show is of substantial value to him. In his curatorial statement, he argues that Jerusalem is an oxymoron and a hybrid of faiths, ethnicities and cultures, and yet the city has cost a lot of lives on trivial conflicts and issues. Despite the myriad of faiths, cultures and ethnicities the city is un-united and the tensions are noticeable, and Presidia argues that this does not just refer to the iniquitous east-west (Palestine-Israeli) divide but also the convoluted relationships between various communities, ethnic group and nationalities. He asserts that in order to put on The Jerusalem Show one would need to navigate a very complex terrain, colluding with some, persuading others and avoiding uncharted territory.

The Jerusalem Show, Edition 2.1, will take place from October 11th to 20th 2009 under the theme of ‘The Jerusalem Syndrome’ and in the framework of the Jerusalem Capital of Arab Culture 2009. Headed and conceived by Al-Ma'mal Foundation and Jack Persekian, the Al-Ma'mal director and Jerusalem Show head curator, the Jerusalem Show 2009 will additionally be Co-Curated by Nina Möntmann. Thirty local and international artists are invited for the Show, to offer their perspectives on Jerusalem through creative production and design by particularly relating their work to specific locations within the Old City. This unique exhibition also strives to promote a re-reading of the city in a creatively accessible and interactive manner. The event will also comprise guided tours within the Old City of Jerusalem, video programs, artist talks, film screenings, and performance events in addition to the 'Sights and Sounds of My City' youth art workshop eight month program.

His aim to re-define work and position in Jerusalem from that of artistic space-fillers to activists is noble, and he argues that in a context and time such as this art, culture, activism, manifestations, political protest, social work are part of our actions and our understanding of what a show in Jerusalem would entail.

 

Image courtesy of Artists
© Samir Srouji, Jacks Ladder (No Angels Here), The Tile Factory
Axel Weissenfels / Al Ma’mal Foundation

 

 

 

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