JERUSALEM.- The Museum for Islamic Art, Jerusalem, announces the opening of its new exhibition, Jewelry Making: Past & Present which introduces a dialogue between culture, religion and time. The exhibition displays a rich view of jewelry and artefacts from the three monotheistic religions prominent in Jerusalem, as well as a dialogue between the museum’s permanent Islamic collection and contemporary jewelry making.

At the centre of the exhibition are 45 contemporary jewelry works commissioned by the museum for Jewelry Making: Past & Present. These works display a deep connection between the museum’s rare collection of Islamic jewelry and artefacts dating back from the 7th century, to a present-day interpretation by Israeli artists and jewellers. Expanding on the dialogue between past and present, each artist delved into the history of jewelry from concepts that deal with generation, tradition and heritage to draw unique inspiration for their designs.

“Jewelry Making: Past & Present showcases the museum’s mission to create dialogue between the three monotheistic religions in Jerusalem, as well as add a contemporary outlook,“ says Nadim Sheiban, Director of The Museum for Islamic Art.“ The museum is thrilled to present this opportunity to expose visitors to the art and culture of the past, while also presenting them with a contemporary response of local artists.”

In addition to the dialogue between contemporary jewelry and the museum’s historic collection, exhibited for the first time to the public, is a collection of ecclesiastical metalwork from the Franciscan Order which dates back from the 16th to 19th century. These sacred metal objects have been accumulated throughout the centuries from the Mediterranean Christian nations, who regularly sent money and goods to assist the Franciscans charged with looking after the sanctuaries in the holy land.

A selection of Jewish vessels and amulets originating from the Levant are being showcased from the private collection of William Gross. These pieces reflect the style and culture of their respective eras and regions, as well as the mutual language of folk art that served both Jews and Muslims. An exhibition spotlight has been focused on the works of Yemenite goldsmithing, a local profession for hundreds of years and on the jewelry of the late singer, Ofra Haza.

Curator: Dr. Iris Fishof

Artists: Anat Aboucaya Grozovski, Peter Bauhuis, Shiri Avda, Sean Axelrod, Vered Babai, Michal Bar, Shirly Bar-Amotz, Einav Benzano, Dania Chelminsky, Malka Cohavi, Israel Dahan , Dahan Taanach, Esther Knobel, Yael Friedman, Anat Golan, Noa Goren Amir , Rill Greenfeld, Dana Hakim Bercovich, Oded Halahmy, Naama Haneman, Noga Harel Rachel, Eden Herman Rosenblum, Vered Kaminski, Alona Katzir, Ariel Lavian, Hadas Levin, Noa Liran, Noa Nadir, Meirav Niv, Ido Noy, Tamar Paley, Shir Pins, Katia Rabey, Merav Rahat, Kobi Roth & Deganit Stern Schocken, Daniella Saraya, Inbar Shahak, Sara Shahak, Amit Shur, Gadeer Slayeh, Sari-Srulovitch, Noa Tamir, Rami Tareef, Yasmin Vinograd, Noa Zilberman.