Jerusalem is getting ready for its annual art event: the graduate exhibition at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, which will open to the public this Wednesday. This year’s showcase is the largest of its kind in Israel, transforming the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Campus into an extensive exhibition space for two weeks.
Starting Wednesday, July 30, at 9:00 p.m., visitors can explore approximately 500 final projects. These works combine innovation, research, and technology with traditional crafts and skills. For the first time, graduates from four of the academy’s five Master’s degree programs will exhibit alongside the Bachelor’s degree departments, offering a comprehensive view of the academic output.
Among the projects, some works directly address contemporary themes. One example is a sleep mask developed in response to a partner’s experience with PTSD. Another is an experimental piece that re-examines airspace boundaries in light of new combat technologies. There is also a documentary about dogs that escaped Gaza due to the war and now roam the Negev.
What to see at the main exhibition
Within the main exhibition, visitors can also see Rear, a special presentation curated by Academy President Prof. Adi Stern and Ilanit Konopny, Head of Curatorial Studies in the Master’s program in Art Policy and Theory. This exhibition features a selection of works that explore the concept of the “rear” as a metaphor for the current human, social, and cultural state.
The exhibiting departments include Screen Arts (Video and Animation), Jewelry and Fashion, Industrial Design, Photography, Art, Ceramic and Glass Design, Visual Communication, and the School of Architecture, which is making its debut at the new campus. Master’s programs in Industrial Design, Visual Communication, and MA Policy and Theory are also represented. Additionally, there will be content events by graduates of the theoretical degree in Visual and Material Culture.
As you explore the exhibition, you’ll find works addressing various themes across departments. Look for projects marked with “Bezalel in the Environment,” which focus on sustainability. Discover works at the intersection of design and technology, exploring virtual reality, AI, smart materials, robotics, gaming, bio-design, and innovation. There are also pieces addressing gender, fairness, and equality. Many works engage with the complexities of our current reality.
Bezalel aims to prepare creators who strive for excellence, understand their environment, and recognize their potential and responsibilities. These individuals seek to contribute to culture, society, and the economy in Israel and globally. This graduate exhibition represents a significant step in that journey for many of them.
The exhibition is sponsored by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.