Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design

This article examines the development of contemporary art in Jerusalem from 1967 to the present, focusing on whether a distinct ‘Jerusalem School’ of art has emerged over the past six decades. Drawing on a historical survey of the city’s artistic groups and movements, the research highlights five defining characteristics of Jerusalem’s art scene: collective and group-based practices, multi-sectoral and multi-stream participation, political and social protest, public space engagement, and performance-based approaches. By analyzing key art collectives and significant works, such as those by the Mashkof group, Leviathan, and Zik, this article shows how these characteristics evolved in response to the city's political, social, and cultural climate. It challenges previous assertions that Jerusalem lacks a cohesive artistic identity, arguing instead that the city’s complex and contested environment has fostered a unique artistic ethos that transcends national borders and engages with global discourses. This study contributes to broader discussions on the role of art in divided cities and conflict zones, positioning Jerusalem as a central yet often overlooked site in the history of contemporary Israeli art.

The future of urban mobility is expected to experience significant changes with the introduction of emerging technologies: non-human actors, immersive experiences, and location accuracy. Speculative design processes that enable walkable urban environments will become critical for sustainable and inclusive cities. This paper explores challenges and opportunities in designing walkability for Japanese train stations, known for unique features and high density. The paper proposes a framework for improving walkability using a multicultural approach that combines field research with speculative design tactics and lo-fi prototyping. The proposed framework leverages collective movement models and design paradigms to enhance individual and collective walkability. The study presents a prototype of an individualized navigation system that uses 6G and swarm intelligence to reduce sensory overload in crowded environments. Inclusive design can create transformative public spaces and introduce methods of collaboration and co-design to address the complex challenges of mobility in future urban landscapes.

This paper examines the uses of allegory in early modern and contemporary art. I discuss allegory as a poetic and visual means, creating a multiplicity of meanings, and positing the image as a ruin. Referencing previous discussions of allegory by Walter Benjamin (1963, 2010), Peter Burke (1997), Craige Owens (1980), among others, I discuss the reliance of allegory on iconographical precedents and its fragmentary nature. These points are exemplified through paintings from the 17th century, by Peter Paul Rubens and Diego Velazquez, and contemporary artworks by Joseph Beuys and Francis Alÿs.