Shirin Neshat Explores Power, Identity and Societal Roles in the Islamic World 

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"Ghada and Sayed", taken from the "Our House is on Fire" series, 2013. Digital C-print and ink.

“Ghada and Sayed”, taken from the “Our House is on Fire” series, 2013. Digital C-print and ink.

An exhibition of Iranian-American artist Shirin Neshat’s works at the Hirshorn Museum in Washington, DC wrapped up last month after garnering much acclaim. Running from May 18th – September 20th, 2015, the exhibit, entitled Facing History, featured a handful of Ms. Neshat’s iconic pieces in both photographic and video form and integrating snippets of Iranian history and perceptions of the Islamic world throughout.

Based in New York, Ms. Neshat was born in Qazvin, Iran in 1957 and lived there until she left to the US for art school during the Iranian Revolution, settling in Los Angeles for the duration of her academic career.

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Cuban-American Photographer Abelardo Morell Blends Photography with Surrealism in Exploration of Traditional Techniques and Subjects 

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Boston-based photographer Abelardo Morell is a true jack of all photographic trades – and a master of every single one.

"View of Central Park Looking North - Fall, 2008"

“View of Central Park Looking North – Fall, 2008”

Born in Havana, Cuba, Mr. Morell immigrated to the United States as a young adult, where he attended both Bowdoin College and Yale School of Art. A quick scan of his resumé reveals a lifetime of artistic achievements in the form of multiple exhibitions and awards from a multitude of international institutions. Continue reading →

Indian Artist Nilima Sheikh Wraps Up “Each Night Put Kashmir in Your Dreams” Exhibition at Art Institute of Chicago 

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"Dying Dreaming", 2003 - 2010

“Dying Dreaming”, 2007 – 2010

A sensational exhibition by esteemed Indian painter Nilima Sheikh has just wrapped up at the Art Institute of Chicago. The exhibition, entitled “Each Night Put Kashmir in Your Dreams”, ran from March 8 – May 18, 2014. It consisted of eight varied scrolling paintings Ms. Sheikh created over the past decade, each of which served to juxtapose the tension and violence that characterises modern Kashmir with its uniquely “magical” historical past, all the while doting on its timeless cultural wealth. Continue reading →

Beyt by 2b Design in Cambridge, MA Doubles as Social Enterprise/Design Firm with Mission to Save and Repurpose Architectural Heritage 

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Beyt by 2b Design, a social enterprise based in Cambridge, MA, 550607_382265838485664_700694584_nplaces importance on the preservation of cultural and architectural preservation. Known casually as Beyt, it is owned by an international design/business-savvy couple who pick through salvage yards in Syria, Lebanon and Egypt to salvage parts of destroyed traditional homes, which they then upcycle into stunning and unique home design pieces.

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Trending in Japan: Fireflies in Photography and Installations, Featuring Yume Cyan, Tsuneaki Hiramatsu, Yuki Karo and Yayoi Kusama 

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At least four Japanese artists have been internationally acknowledged for their work recently – threein the past month alone. In addition to their shared heritage, Yume Cyan, Tsuneaki Hiramatsu, Yuki Karo and Yayoi Kusama also share a passion for a certain curious, effulgent insect that has captivated almost every child at one point or another: the lambent firefly.

While little personal information is available on Mr. Cyan, he seems to be an amateur on the local Japanese photography scene, having only surfaced with the publication of his firefly photos this past year.

"Last Dance of the Fireflies", Yume Cyan

“Last Dance of the Fireflies”, Yume Cyan

His photos were taken in the forests surrounding Nagoya, a central Japanese city that is said to be named for its peaceful – nagoyaka (なごやか) – aura. Leaving his shutter open for nearly 30 seconds, Mr. Cyan has created a short series of magical photographs featuring fireflies at dusk. Continue reading →

Yemeni Photographer Ibi Ibrahim to be Featured at Art14 London Art Fair, February 28th – March 2nd, 2014 

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"Forgotten Queen" from the Sitara Series

“Forgotten Queen” from the Sitara Series

Yemeni photographer Ibi Ibrahim is to be featured in the upcoming Art14 annual global art fair in London, UK.

At only 26 years old, Mr. Ibrahim has built up an extensive repertoire of photographic pieces focused issues that are treated as significant taboos in the Arab and greater Islamic world, making his work a point of controversy for some.  Such taboos include issues pertaining to religion, identity, homosexuality, gender identity and equality, and women’s empowerment, among others. Continue reading →

Italian-Senegalese Artist Maïmouna Guerresi Blends Sculpture and Photography in her Explorations of the Female Condition, Spirituality and Identity 

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"Genitilla al-Wilada" and "Mother Minaret"

“Genitilla al-Wilada” and “Mother Minaret”

Known informally as the “Sufi Frida Kahlo”, Maïmouna Guerresi is an Italian artist who is most known for her blending of different mediums, primarily sculpture video, installation pieces and photography.

Originally born in Italy, Mr. Guerresi converted to Islam after an inspirational trip to Senegal in the early 1990s, joining the Murid community there. Continue reading →

Lebanese Designer Najla El-Zein’s “The Wind Portal” Exhibition at London’s V&A Museum Closes in Success 

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"The Wind Portal"

“The Wind Portal”

Lebanese designer Najla El-Zein has just wrapped up her critically-acclaimed exhibition at Victoria and Albert Museum in London, UK. “The Wind Portal” debuted on September 14th of this year, running until November 3rd. The V&A provided Ms. El-Zein with a massive, 8-metre high doorway in their museum complex from which she hung the 5,000 paper windmills that created her installation.  Continue reading →

Spanish Artist Fernando Vincente Transforms Maps into Geographical Portraits in his “Atlas” Series 

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fernandovicenteatlas9

Atlas #9

Spanish artist Fernando Vincente has adopted a very unique approach to portraiture in incorporating cartography and geography into his “Atlas” series. To achieve the finished product, Mr. Vincente gathered old maps which he then painted over with semi-transluscent layers of acrylic paint into portraits of humans, animals and skulls. Continue reading →

Martin Klimas’ Exploding Flowers and “Sonic” Exhibition on September 18th, 2013 at the Foley Gallery in NY, USA 

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"Flower 6", Rapid Bloom

“Flower 6”, Rapid Bloom

German photographer Martin Klimas has recently produced two remarkable sets of photographs that are particularly worthy of mention, one of which will be featured in an exhibition opening tomorrow, September 18th, 2013. Based in Düsseldorf, Mr. Klimas has made a name for himself for his use of high-speed photography, capturing moments of intense action in an image.  Continue reading →