Both exhibitions exhibited at the Jerusalem Print Workshop contemplate the political climate—past and present—often serving as a voice of protest and a plea for peace. Frustration with the government and the longing for justice and freedom resonate throughout the works on display. These exhibitions do not shy away from difficult topics such as war, judicial reforms, and the struggle for equality. Rather, they amplify these issues, giving form to the emotions and demands of the people through visual means.
Together, these two exhibitions form a dialogue between past and present, between different geographies and histories. They remind us that art has long been a vessel for resistance, a record of shared struggles, and a powerful testament to the enduring human desire for change.
“The People’s Posters” exhibition brings together a striking collection of posters spanning from the 1960s to the present, bridging the activist movements of two distinct times and places—New York in the 1960s and 70s, and Israel in recent years. These posters embody the spirit of their respective eras, serving as urgent calls to action, expressions of resistance, and symbols of collective courage.
Despite the decades that separate them, the posters reveal a striking continuity in themes of frustration, protest, and the demand for change. They remind us that while history moves forward, certain struggles remain unresolved, echoing through time.
A significant portion of the posters from New York were collected by Arik Kilemnik during his time as a student and later as a teacher in the city. Immersed in the fervent activism of the period, he was deeply inspired by the voices and movements he encountered, an influence that would shape his artistic practice for years to come. Through his collection, we gain a firsthand look at the visual language of protest that continues to inspire activists today.