Jerusalem Biennale 2026

I curated Richard McBee’s exhibition Akeida Alone – Where is the Lamb for the Jerusalem Biennale, the world’s largest platform for contemporary Jewish and Israeli art.

The work will be presented at the Biennale’s main venue, the former National Library at Givat Ram in Jerusalem, together with 13 other exhibitions.

Last month I was in an accident and broke several bones. I can’t walk or write much at the moment, so regrettably I cannot attend the opening. But if you are in Israel, please visit this extraordinary international art event.

Opening Reception Thursday September 24, 2026 at 8 pm

Hebrew University, Sderot Wolfson 9, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.

Opening Hours Sept. 24 – Nov. 12, Sun, Tues, Thurs- 16:00- 20:00 Mon- Wed- Fri- 10:00- 14:00

After completing 100 Akeida paintings (about the binding of Isaac), McBee created a new series, Akeida Alone, six of which are exhibited at the Biennale. History, for McBee, had seen the Jews face total annihilation as victims and survivors; the most recent example being October 7, 2023. In his own words: “We are all Isaac and the modern world turned its back on Israel.” 

McBee’s spare figuration and flattened space place the viewer inside the decisive moments of Genesis 22. The work answers the Biennale’s call from Psalm 130: “Out of the depths I call You, O Lord… let Your ears be attentive to my pleas for mercy.”

Article in JNS about the exhibit

MORE INFO: JAS exhibition page

Biennale listing: Akeida Alone: Where is the Lamb?

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Panel Discussion Akeida Alone: The Biblical Silence

Sunday, Sept. 27 at 6pm at Givat Ram
Panelists: Art historians David Sperber, Ori Soltes and artist Richard McBee.

A preview of this series was presented at the Heller Museum, Hebrew Union College, New York, June 3–25, 2026, as large-scale prints of the six oil paintings, alongside the Matthew Baigell Heritage panel on June 2.