I have just returned from viewing Here and Elsewhere at the New Museum in NYC. The show reflects the concerns of 45 artists living in the Arab world or the diaspora, as well as addressing the dilemma of culturally defined art, and art as representation of an expected political or cultural stance.
In Paris last week, I noticed this sign, dedicating a square in the 6th arrondissment to Mahmoud Darwish. Mahmoud Darwish Square (Place Mahmoud Darwich) was dedicated by former Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on July 15, 2010.
I just returned from my annual trip to Paris, where I made some interesting contacts for Gallery Al-Quds, and saw some very good exhibitions.
Gallery Al-Quds launched a new year of content–loaded art shows with Natural History, which examines the subject of cultural destruction from the angle of decimation of the natural environment.
You may have noted that the gallery is now called The Jerusalem Fund Gallery Al-Quds. This addition helps to place us in context as we continue to present the art of Palestinians, Arabs and Arab Americans, as well as non-Arabs whose work touches on the Middle East.
While I was in Paris making friends for The Gallery at the Institut du Monde Arabe and several private galleries, I visited the spectacular, if controversial, new Islamic Wing at the Louvre.
2013 will be bracketed by color at the Gallery.
Here at the Gallery we are (hopefully) saying goodbye to the sweltering summer heat (though since our air-conditioner has been repaired things have been much more bearable!). With the advent of autumn, energy returns to the city and we look forward to a lively season of art that teaches your mind and touches your soul.
Summer in Washington, D.C., offers many changes—many people leave town, while summer interns arrive, to say nothing of tourists! But for those staying in the city, there are a lot of events on offer to make summer interesting, including here at the Jerusalem Fund Gallery.
Through educational events, humanitarian support, and cultural preservation, the Jerusalem Fund is helping build the movement for Palestinian liberation.
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The Jerusalem Fund
2425 Virginia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 338-1958