Avid window collector, artist and lover of Jerusalem, the late Yoram Amir left his most transparent legacy in the center of the city. In collaboration with artistic duo, Lior Peleg and Itamar Faluja, the house of window panes is made out of 550 various windows, collected by Amir throughout the years, from street finds in Mahane Yehuda market to strategic spotting of demolished buildings.
“Window Stories” is a testament and reminder to build with “open windows,” and not closed doors. The styles and symbols laced amidst the windows vary. There is a selection of panes from the Ottoman era, Christian churches, Jewish synagogues, Arabic and Armenian quarters, and more.
As the sun sets and night falls, the “stunning palace of windows” turns into a radiant lighthouse, sitting central in Gan HaSus on King George Street. The building has two stories, a balcony, and is built with a geometric shapes and figures, securing its powerful positioning both physically and spiritually.
Amir’s story will also be told during the arts festival. He believed that the buildings of Jerusalem were the jewels of the city, and the windows were the diamonds. He collected over 2,000 windows in hopes of saving the sacred architecture of the city amidst its modernization. He passed away in March 2019 when he was 55 years old after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Once he understood his diagnosis, he received immediate support from his beloved artistic community. He is lovingly remembered for his disruptive creativity, social activism, and his dedication to preserving the beauty of old Jerusalem.
The art piece opened on July 7, and will remain open to the public through Jerusalem’s annual arts, music and culture festival, Mekudeshet. Mekudeshet translates into “holy” and is used in wedding ceremonies after the groom places the ring on the bride’s finger. The festival aims to inspire new perspectives within the ancient city, and takes place from September 4 to 21.
For more information, visit Mekudeshet website.
