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ART - MUSIC -
CULTURE
Current Exhibition
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| Najib Joe
Hakim: Born Among Mirrors
May 14 - June 25, 2010 This exhibition showcases photographs of Lebanon taken 50 years apart. His father Elias Hakim's B&W photos document the young Hakim family's emigration from Lebanon to the US in 1956. Najib’s color photos explore the country upon his return in 2006 after the latest war with Israel. In his words “These photographs are not just images of a homecoming, but a heartfelt exploration of a people and a place, determined to exist.” |
PAST EXHIBITIONS
Curator's Comment : by Dagmar Painter
Summer 2010
Summer time means travel time for me, and that means going to art galleries in other cities and countries. It is always energizing to see what artists around the world are producing. If you are lucky enough to be traveling—I’ve noticed that galleries and art spaces around the world are increasingly featuring Arab Art, both contemporary and historical.
In Jerusalem, the Palestinian Art Court—al Hoash has just opened "Kayan," a sculpture exhibition by 12 artists including Ahmad Caanan, Mervat Issa and Hasa Khater.
The Louvre in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London have made major renovations to their Islamic art collections. Athens? See the Benaki Museum. Going to Amsterdam? On your way stop at TRC Gallery, Hogewoerd 164, Leiden, which is showing "Embroidery from the Arab World" until August 22. www.trc-leiden.nl Berlin? Try the Museum für Islamische Kunst, which has expanded its collections.
Staying in the U.S.? If you are visiting Washington DC, be sure to stop in and see our summer show "the light thread. the dark thread" featuring Chicago artist Anna Kipervaser’s unusual perceptions in sculpture. And the Freer Gallery at the Smithsonian has a wonderful exhibit of Arts of the Islamic World. Can’t get here in person? Then try the virtual show from Gaza photographer Mohammed Zaanoun on our website.
Elsewhere, the always wonderful Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, MI is exhibiting "From mocha to latte: coffee, the Arab world and the $4 cup" until August 15. www.arabamericanmuseum.org As they describe it: "it is coffee’s Arab cultural roots that have led to continuing social traditions, the global institution we know as the coffeehouse and even some of the greatest intellectual achievements in human history. This exhibition explores the colorful story of this humble beverage, the many stories and effects of coffee on the history of the Arab region and consequently, the rest of the world." While you are there, check out the Detroit Institute of Art’s new permanent gallery of Islamic art.
Or how about Texas? The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston has "Light of the Sufis: the Mystical Arts of Islam" until August 8. The presentation focuses on some of the most important Sufi ideas that found expression through the arts of the Islamic world, beginning with light, which symbolizes both God and enlightenment. The show includes illustrated and laser-etched manuscripts of Sufi poetry; and contemporary works inspired by Sufi principles. Participating artists include Mehmet Gunyeli, Parviz Tanavoli, Sevan Bicakçi and Farhad Moshiri. www.mfah.org
California Dreaming? The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s show "Masterpieces of Mughal and Deccani Painting" features 16th through 19th century Islamic paintings rarely displayed because of their sensitivity to light exposure. www.lacma.org
Have a great summer!
Dagmar Painter