Opening reception Sat, Jan 25, 7-9PM; Exhibit Jan 25-Feb 22; Gallery open Wednesdays & Thursdays 1-6PM & Saturdays 12-3PM
Muslim women artists in the Bay Area will express their personal visual interpretations of selected words in Arabic. The exhibition features a range of calligraphy styles from traditional to contemporary and includes modern techniques of layering acrylics and mixed media. Since its origin in the seventh century, Arabic calligraphy is deeply associated with the sacred book, the Quran. Furthermore, the prohibition of figurative art in religious places has led calligraphy to become one of the major forms of artistic expression in Islamic cultures.
Featured artists: Salma Arastu, Manli Chao, Rabea Chaudhry, Rubina Kazi, Bassamat, Azeem Khaliq, Yasmin Khafagy, Nabeela Sajjad, Sophia Sattar, Sehar Shahzad, and Ayesha Samdani
"In Search of Eternal Love: Our Journey from Meera Bai to Rumi." Indian dance, poetry and video projection:
Sunday, February 2nd, 2-4PM
CLOSING RECEPTION with calligraphy demonstration by artists: Saturday February 22th, 2-4PM
Gallery open on Wednesdays & Thursdays 1-6PM and Saturdays 12-3PM
CURATOR'S STATEMENT: "My purpose in curating these shows is to help promote the understanding of various cultures and societies, which by and large are still largely misunderstood or incompletely represented in the media. This way, art serves as a point of departure to discuss the subtleties and contradictions of today's social, political, economic, and environmental climate. An in-depth understanding of the historical "other" through the medium of art can help to reduce the sense of terror that has been stirred in today's society. Perhaps now more than ever, in our increasingly dissonant world, art dialogue is a crucial platform for intercultural exchange in order to overcome polarization and promote a sense of shared humanity. The visual arts can serve as a conduit to stimulate a community's response and engage in positive discussion."
- Salma Arastu
https://www.salmaarastu.com
No charge
Presented by Arc Gallery.