Herzliya Biennale HaOref Challenges Israeli Stereotypes with Humor and Irreverence
The inaugural Herzliya Biennale of Contemporary Art, named HaOref, was held in Herzliya, Israel, from September 23 to October 1, 2007. Curated by Joshua Simon, the event showcased 75 artists, with more than 60 presenting new works that emphasized themes of friendship and daily life rather than conflict. Highlights included Boyan's serene depictions, Elisheva Levy's reflective floor installation, Ariela Plotkin's video 'Miss PLO,' and Elad Baranga's photo exhibit 'Cultural Backroad.' Various locations, such as the city museum and historic streets, hosted the biennale. Roy Chicky Arad's piece 'The Beautiful Israeli' satirized high-tech culture, while Roee Rosen created fictitious advertisements. Additional artists featured were Ari Libsker, Yochai Matos, Keren Gueller, and Iva Kafri. Cécile Brisson contributed coverage for artpress.
Key facts
- First Herzliya Biennale of Contemporary Art titled HaOref
- Took place September 23 to October 1, 2007
- Curated by Joshua Simon
- 75 artists participated, over 60 created original works
- Venues included city museum, underground warehouses, and old city streets
- Aimed to challenge Israeli stereotypes by highlighting everyday life
- Roy Chicky Arad displayed a live-streamed onion called 'The Beautiful Israeli'
- Ariel Kleiner erected a guillotine in a roundabout
Entities
Artists
- Boyan
- Elisheva Levy
- Ariela Plotkin
- Elad Baranga
- Gal Deren
- Ruti Sela
- Roy Chicky Arad
- Roee Rosen
- Ariel Kleiner
- Ari Libsker
- Yochai Matos
- Keren Gueller
- Iva Kafri
- Joshua Simon
Institutions
- artpress
Locations
- Herzliya
- Israel
- Tel Aviv
Sources
- artpress —