Vera Gailis (b. 1986, Ukraine) is an Israel-based artist, curator, and researcher whose practice bridges migration studies, archival imagery, and community engagement. Armed with an MA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Tel Aviv University, she founded the “Merhav Umanut” street gallery, mentors immigrant artists, and presents work and lectures internationally. Her lens-based and participatory projects probe memory, gender, and belonging within visual culture.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Visual archives and vernacular photography
Migration and diaspora narratives in lens-based media
Memory studies and object-based research methodologies
Gender, motherhood, and queer perspectives in public space
Community-based and socially engaged art practices
Israeli pioneer conceptual art of the 1970s; mapping and institutional critique
Semiotics and intertextuality in contemporary art
Professional Experience (2020 – 2025)
2021–present – Founder and curator, “Merhav Umanut” street gallery, Tirat Carmel; produces rotating public-space exhibitions and community programs.
2022–present – Lead mentor, KakdelArt Bootcamp & annual grant course; coaches immigrant artists on career development and funding strategy.
2023–present – Curatorial partner, Nefashot mental-health initiative; co-curates “Shelter” exhibition series in bomb shelters and coordinates an online creative board.
2023–25 – Curator of group shows: “Haifa in First Person” (Beit HaGefen, 2025) and “The Fourth Wall” (Harmony Cultural Center, Jerusalem, 2025); organizing Ukraine-war exhibition for Terminal Bat Yam (2026).
2024 – Solo show “Family Status: Immigrant” (Studio Toho V’Boho, Haifa); presented lecture “What Remains of My Great-Grandmother’s House” at University of Brighton.
2024–25 – Developing “House of Vera” archival installation; paper accepted for Design Issues special issue “Tangible Archives.”
2025 – Initiated “Arrival Archive” crowdsourced photo project and “Immigration Laboratory” for Haifa Museum Greenhouse; teaches PR mini-course and “Curators’ Lab.”
Ongoing – Guest lecturer at Israeli art schools and international conferences; publishes essays and blog posts on archives, migration, and visual culture.
