Back to nature
A new contemporary art exhibition has opened at the Givat Ram University Botanical Garden in Jerusalem
Participating artists (in order A-B): Eitan Ben Moshe, Tzivi Geva, Eli Gur Aryeh, Maya Donitz, Yaakov Dorchin, Guy Zagorsky, Ella Litwitz, Sigalit Landau, Sahar Mi'ari, Yehudit Sasports,
Yaara Tzach, Menashe Kadishman, Danny Karavan, Moshe Roas.
Curator: Hadas Maor

19.10.20-30.11.20

'Back to Nature' is a new contemporary art exhibition that opened this week at the initiative of the University Botanical Garden in Jerusalem and in collaboration with the Outest Fund for Contemporary Art.

In light of the current period and the corona crisis, the possibilities of spending time in open spaces become particularly attractive. The botanical garden, which covers 120 dunams, is the largest garden in Israel and the only one of its kind in the Middle East. Therefore, the general public can walk around the garden freely without fear, when staying in nature allows observation, and provides relaxation, peace and balance for the soul.
The new exhibition, curated by Hadas Maor, includes about 15 large sculptures by leading contemporary artists that have been specially adapted to the display conditions in the garden. Among the works are iconic works by artists such as Menashe Kadishman or Danny Karavan, works by veteran artists such as Tzivi Geva, Yehudit Sasports or Sigalit Landau, and works by younger artists such as Ella Litwitz, Yaara Tzach, Sahar Mi'ari, Moshe Roas and more.

Hadas Maor curator: "Following the eruption of the corona, institutions and cultural centers around the world were forced to stop their activities, and the fact that the exhibition at the Botanical Garden was formed during this period, despite the huge uncertainty about its existence, is particularly noteworthy. Values for cultural action and real support in the local art field, both from the botanical garden and from the Outst Fund for Contemporary Art. "
Maor also notes "the name of the project indicates a return to the outside after a long closure period due to the outbreak of the corona virus, but also a dimension of return to nature present in the local sculptural language. In this context, the project reveals constant movement between works relying on defined lines and heavy materials ", Such as iron or bronze, and works that use synthetic materials such as rubber, flax or polyester, and in soft, rounded shapes."

Two new works were produced especially for the exhibition and in accordance with the garden space: a sound work by the artist Maya Donitz, which responds to the sounds and sounds of the garden, and another work by the artist Yehudit Sasports, a chapter from the work Liquid Desert .
Placing the various works around the visible and hidden garden, produces a circular walking path where the plants, as well as the sculptures, are discovered by the visitor while in motion. Some of the works have a formal, material and narrative dialogue with the vegetation around them, and others retain their foreignness. Together the various works will present a rich and layered prism of local sculptural work.

A virtual tour of the exhibition
Taking into account the current situation, due to the corona plague and the desire to allow those in isolation to experience the exhibition can be found on the Botanical Garden website a virtual tour of the exhibition and free educational activities for children at the exhibition site .
The tour and educational activities will also allow those outside of Israel to enjoy and derive value from the collaboration with Israeli artists exhibiting in nature and thus encourage international discourse around a universal issue that affects our lives.

Educational programs
Simultaneously with the exhibition, a detailed program of educational activities for groups and schools was constructed. Combining educational content in the exhibition and promoting the discourse around art in the open space, will make it possible to strengthen the necessary connection between nature, a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and art.
It is important to note that the botanical kindergarten works with over 250 schools and kindergartens from all over Jerusalem and from all sectors in the establishment of educational gardens, and equips teaching staff in the agricultural as well as the pedagogical aspect. Garden work encourages children and their families to grow food, recognize and preserve extinct species as well as work the land.
Hannah Randall, Executive Director, Strategy and Development at the Botanical Garden : "I am proud and excited to add to the large botanical garden repertoire in Israel an 'open-air gallery'. One of the goals we have set for ourselves for a long time. The Corona crisis brought On an area of about 120 dunams will host for the first time a contemporary art exhibition 'Back to Nature'. Thanks to the Autumn Foundation for Contemporary Art, the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Foundation and a number of private collectors and art supporters we were able to act quickly during the closure to create an extraordinary experience. This is the first swallow of future artistic collaborations that connect art, culture and nature. "

Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday 09:00 - 18:00
Admission to the exhibition is included in the price of admission to the garden
Guided tours and activities in the exhibition will take place later
For more details, Givat Ram Botanical Garden 02-6794012
At www.jbgculture.com and on Facebook

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