It always rains on Purim in Israel and this year has thus far been no exception. Inevitably on Purim in Israel you will see kids with warm and sweaters coats covering their costumes, bedraggled banners flapping aimlessly over city streets and grey weather putting a general damper on what is supposed to be a happy, carefree holiday.

For those seeking some indoor Purim fun there is a 2-day exhibition and happening — Partzufim (Faces) — today and tomorrow (March 14-15, 2014) at Tel Aviv’s newest art space, Art Market Israel at the Tel Aviv Port. The show presents works that explore the human face as a mask that can help us hide from confrontation, protect us from danger and yet, sometimes, a mask that enables us to better communicate with others.

Art Market Israel is part of the international Bruno Art Group. The collection includes the works of veteran and emerging artists from Israel and abroad. Ongoing activities at the space include exhibitions, lectures and workshops as well as services such as art consultancy, curating collections, design assistance and professional art installation.

The Partzufim exhibit features works by three Art Market Israel artists: Canadian-born Johanan Herson, whose award-winning acrylic paintings, tapestries and wall hangings very often feature faces with expressions ranging from sweet and happy to serious and pensive.

Ilana Gal’s expressive and colorful paintings feature figures influenced by African tribal art: fearsome, sometimes angry or sad faces of animals and women.

Architect Adi Sened is also a street artist who for several years now has been stenciling small boxlike figures — he calls them Kufsonim — throughout Tel Aviv. They are also part of the Partzufim exhibit — perfect complement to the Purim holiday.

Visit the Art Market Israel website and Facebook page.