Pictures from Israel
Click to enlarge
Israel MEA 20170524-(N238)–Art-in-Jerusalem-The-Bronze-Sculpture
The Bronze Sculpture
It was a warm evening, with the feel of summer on its way. The streets around West Jerusalem were full of party lights, where people are dining or walking and enjoying the atmosphere. Around the corner from the hotel where we were staying we discovered some delightful and interesting bronze sculptures such as this one. In the background are a couple of people observing the sculpture from another aspect. This abstract looks very much like an animal with what looks like a table next to it. To us, it looked like a ‘bull about to be sacrificed on the Altar beside it’ and we’re sure you will probably appreciate it with a completely different interpretation.
The little restaurant opposite, called Zuni, is a open 24 hours a day, with an open deck upstairs. It’s a great pass-time to walk around the backstreet of Jerusalem. Next time your there don’t forget to experience it. Check out this series next week as we continue to look at the art in Jerusalem.
Copyright exists in all the material on this website and is owned by Messianic Education Australia Ltd. unless otherwise explicitly stated. This copyright extends to the images, logos, layout and presentation styles as well as the text material.
Pictures from Israel
Click to enlarge
Israel – MEA -20170517-(V101)–Art-in-Jerusalem-The-Two-Harpists
The Two Harpists
These lovely pictures showing two dedicated harpists were taken in two different places in Jerusalem. The one on the left is playing her harp at the City of David which, in ancient times was another name for Jerusalem. This area is now an active archaeological site, where deep underground, the City is revealing some of the most remarkable and exciting archaeological discoveries of the ancient world. Above ground, tourists walk around and view parts of Biblical Jerusalem, and consider the days of the great Patriarch Abraham, when the first foundations of the city were laid about 3,800 years ago.
The harpist on the right is sitting in an alcove just inside the famous Jaffa Gate, with an entrance way stands approximately 6 metres high within a 12-metre wall being the main entrance to the Old City. Incidentally, the Jaffa Gate is made from stone and is the only gate that was built at right angles to the wall; useful as a strong defensive measure to slow down any oncoming attackers. In this part of the wall, the sounds of the harp were clear and resonant, created by the vibrations of the strings connected to a base sound board. On many occasions we saw this same harpist playing her music on the bench inside this small niche and it’s likely that when you visit Jerusalem, you will also find someone entertaining the hundreds of people walking past and into this ancient city.
Copyright exists in all the material on this website and is owned by Messianic Education Australia Ltd. unless otherwise explicitly stated. This copyright extends to the images, logos, layout and presentation styles as well as the text material.
Pictures from Israel
Click to enlarge
Israel @ MEA – 20170510-(N277)—Art-in-Jerusalem—Gallery
Whilst walking in the back streets of Jerusalem, we discovered this delightful Art and Music Shop. It had many interesting paintings, figurines, menorahs and musical instruments, including a kinnor (on the left) the Hebrew word for harp. In ancient times, this traditional Jewish musical instrument was commonly called a King David lyre because it was played by King David during his time and continued to be popular during the First and Second Temple periods. It is still one of the national instruments of the Jewish people. The historian Josephus described the kinnor as having 10 strings, and played with a pick or plectrum. There are references in the Book of Samuel and Kings showing David played the kinnor with his fingers only. The Bible mentions the kinnor 42 times.
Much to our disappointment, the shop was closed because it was already evening. We intend to visit this little gallery another time and next week, we will bring you a wonderful picture of a professional harp player in the alcoves of the Old City of Jerusalem.
So, when next in Jerusalem, check out this Mall—take a load off to see this fine mural and remember to try a tasty falafel and perhaps some ice-cream!
Copyright exists in all the material on this website and is owned by Messianic Education Australia Ltd. unless otherwise explicitly stated. This copyright extends to the images, logos, layout and presentation styles as well as the text material.
Pictures from Israel
Click to enlarge
Israel-©-MEA-20170503-(N74)–Art-in-Jerusalem-Murals on Buildings-2
Mural in the Mall:
This very large mural painting is situated in the Midrochav Mall along Ben Yehuda Street in the heart of downtown Jerusalem. It was closed to vehicular traffic in 1983 and it is now a pedestrian mall lined with souvenirs, Judaica shops featuring ceremonial Jewish art, cafes and eateries. The Mall is named after the 19th century linguist Eliezer Ben Yehuda who is credited with reviving the Hebrew language for use in the State of Israel.
Street performers of all kinds are sprinkled throughout the Mall day and night, amidst crowds of people walking or standing around. It was when we were sitting down at one of the many eating tables, that we noticed this mural. One of the favourite take-away foods in Western countries is the hamburger—however in the Middle East and especially in Israel, the most popular ‘fast-food’ is the famous falafel burger, comprising deep-fried balls made from chickpeas or flava beans and served with hummus and salad with flat or unleavened bread when it is wrapped within lafa or stuffed in a hollow pita bread.
Now, back to the mural. Looking up, we can see neighbours chatting, children playing, workmen busy while others are cleaning windows—all under the watchful eye of the dove flying around the top of the building. In the top-centre panel of the upper balconies, you will notice an arched window open to a background of other interesting buildings in Jerusalem. Below the mural itself and along the row of shop in the Mall, you will notice the Aldo sign. Aldo is well-known for its wide selection of dairy and non-dairy ice creams.
So, when next in Jerusalem, check out this Mall—take a load off to see this fine mural and remember to try a tasty falafel and perhaps some ice-cream!
Copyright exists in all the material on this website and is owned by Messianic Education Australia Ltd. unless otherwise explicitly stated. This copyright extends to the images, logos, layout and presentation styles as well as the text material.
Pictures from Israel
Click to enlarge
Israel-©-MEA-20170426-(N54)–Art-in-Jerusalem-Mural-on-the-Wall-1
This is the second mural in the series of ‘Art-in-Jerusalem’ which focuses on the culture, customs and architecture of ancient and modern Jerusalem.
The artist, who remains anonymous, succeeds in drawing us in to the welcoming and pleasant world of friends sitting on a park bench who stop for a moment to turn and look at us. Their friendly faces invite us into this mystical place of tranquillity. If you’ve ever gazed over a tranquil body of water or mountain range which rises up to meet the sky, and not be able to determine exactly where one begins and the other ends, then this scene offers a similar illusion, where mystery and reality overlap.
The background of old buildings, well established trees and passive animals add to this peaceful setting. This is modern Jerusalem—a place where the sun sets over a cityscape of mystery and reality.
Copyright exists in all the material on this website and is owned by Messianic Education Australia Ltd. unless otherwise explicitly stated. This copyright extends to the images, logos, layout and presentation styles as well as the text material.
Pictures from Israel
Click to enlarge
Israel-©-MEA-20170419-(N36)–Art-in-Jerusalem-Murals on Buildings-1
This is one of the many murals which appear on the side of buildings in Jerusalem. Although it was difficult to get up close and ‘square-on’, the mural still has many of its images which depict everyday life in modern Jerusalem, including the ‘Light Rail’ which transports passengers around the city and central to this modern metropolis.
Notice the kids skate boarding, men playing cards and even the camel (centre bottom) that’s looking around at the ‘goings on’. Also, see if you can spot the ongoing repairs to the upper balcony door and window; as well as the man climbing up the side of a large hanging red curtain, which extends across the scaffolding at the top. Then zoom in and enjoy all the activities spread across this societal panorama.
Judge for yourself, whether this mural suits the building on which it is painted. How does it fit in with the units and balconies, the beautiful flowers in full bloom and the blue-stripped awnings covering them? If you lived here, would you have chosen such a theme or some other!
Log-on next week for more Art in Jerusalem. Shalom.
Copyright exists in all the material on this website and is owned by Messianic Education Australia Ltd. unless otherwise explicitly stated. This copyright extends to the images, logos, layout and presentation styles as well as the text material.
