(IsraelNN.com) A new Jerusalem art gallery focusing on the art of new immigrants and their expressions of reconnection with the Land of Israel is featuring an artistic duel between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

The gallery is located at Merkaz HaMagshimim, a comprehensive absorption center in the heart of Jerusalem populated by mostly Western immigrants active in social activism and cultural exploration of their new homeland.

The latest exhibit at the Rakefet Gallery (named by veteran immigrant Rachel Wanetik to commemorate its former lavender color) explores the disparity and dialogue between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as two archetypes of the modern State of Israel.

The works - oil and acrylic paintings, photos on canvas and black-and-white paper cuts – were created by two 27-year-old artists from radically different backgrounds and worlds. Ofra Zucker was born and raised in Tel Aviv, later moving to Jerusalem to study art and work with new immigrants. Gunia Gunko was born in Kaleningrad, Russia, and now lives in Tel Aviv.

“The exhibit is about Aliyah (Jewish immigration),” Ofra says. “It is about Gunia’s Aliyah from Russia to Israel and my Aliyah from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.”

Ofra says that when she first moved to Jerusalem’s Nachlaot neighborhood, she didn’t think she would survive in the capital. “But today, when I come home from the shuk (open air market), I don’t understand how I didn’t live here my whole life.”

The idea for the exhibit was born by an encounter between Ofra and Gunia at Jerusalem’s Machaneh Yehuda shuk. “I met Gunia when I was a shaliach (educational emissary for the Jewish Agency) in Russia 4 years ago,” Ofra recalls. “She eventually made Aliyah and lives in Tel Aviv. We didn't see each other for a few years until we ran into each other at the Machaneh Yehuda shuk. There we talked about our dream to do an exhibit together about the dialogue between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and between me and Gunia.”

The new gallery, keen on exploring the expressions of new immigrants – from Russia as well as Tel Aviv – offered the two its newly refurbished facility for their show.

“The works are a fascinating dialogue between the artists regarding their conceptions of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in terms of their ethos, character and architecture,” literature promoting the exhibit states.  “Jerusalem - the elder, brimming with experience of the generations…Tel Aviv – outwardly appear[ing] to be lighthearted and upright; exuding newness. Yet, Jerusalem, dwelling above her in the hills, smiles and offers a knowing wink and declares ‘all of who you are and that you desire to be is drawn from my history, from the majesty of my buildings and towers. I am your past and you cannot escape the heritage that I have given you.’”

The two artist’s styles of expression also contrast and complement one another. “Ofra’s style of painting captures the beauty and spirituality of the landscapes she calls home - both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,” organizers say.

“Gunia’s pictures represent the simultaneous bond between dreams and reality. On the one hand there is an illustration of dreams, but on the other, we see regular subjects very familiar to us in our every day reality - our life,” critic Marina Koncevaya says.

“From this dialogue there emerges an understanding of the deep connection between these seemingly disparate cities in terms of their inherent holiness and spirituality in contrast to materialism and secularism.”

The show, entitled “Corner of HaNeviim (The Prophets) and King George,” opened Feruary 2nd and will remain on display until March 2nd at:

The Rakefet Gallery
Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah,
7a Dor Dor V’Dorshav Street
German Colony, Jerusalem
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4 PM – 6 PM
Friday: 11 AM -1 PM
For more information, call: 02-5619165
Or email: Ofra@youngjudaea.org.il