Arteology: New Concept In Ancient Venue (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 10/19/22

Jerusalem, Israel - Oct. 19, 2022 - A unique, site-specific art exhibition took place in Yerushalayim on Chol Hamoed Sukkot. For the first time, a contemporary art exhibition was held in an active, subterranean archaeological site at the Davidson Center in the Old City near  Robinson's Arch and the Dung Gate.

Within the narrow and circular areas of the ancient water system and cistern, well-below ground of the 2,000-year-old foundation stones of the Kotel, the ceramics exhibition by Israeli-Canadian artist Nicole Kornberg-Jacobovici entitled Arteology: The Power of the Ancients in Contemporary Forms was open to the public for two days, in the Jerusalem Archaeological Park. 

Visitors accessed the exhibition by walking underground from Ir David, through the excavated road and drainage channel of Bayit Sheni, and exiting near Robinson's Arch.

The unique location of the solo exhibition included works of earthenware, stoneware, and clay pieces crafted by the artist. Her works were inspired by her studies of Bronze Age Egyptian, Mycenaean, Etruscan, and Israelite pottery. 

At the Davidson Center, during a media tour prior to the exhibit being open to the public, archeologist Yuval Baruch mentioned the importance of ceramics and pottery and the use of materials in dating levels of excavations.

Jerusalem is a holy city, important to multiple civilizations. Archeologists behind the scenes are trying to connect the ancient and modern and impact new interests, with culture serving as a bridge to connect people through art. It is a new means to bring visitors to understand the layers of history.

The idea is for the exhibit to go from Yerushalayim around the world. Conversations to display the pieces have begun already with Italy, London, and more locations.

Noted Italian art curator and scholar, Dr. Cinzia Chiari described Kornberg-Jacobovici’s work as “exhibiting the power of the ancients in contemporary forms.”

Imagine, on Sukkot 5783, thinking of Simchas Beis Hashoaeva, bringing the water to the Beis HaMikidash, and of the vessels used so many years ago, while standing in a First Temple cistern and seeing a contemporary art exhibition.