Bridging the gap between cultures, especially East and West, is not easy. But beginning Saturday, Chicagoans will have an opportunity to go beyond stereotypes and learn about contemporary Arab women when a ground-breaking art exhibit opens at the Chicago Cultural Center.
The show, “Forces of Change: Women Artists of the Arab World,” includes 100 works by women artists from 15 Arab-speaking countries. It is the first exhibit of its kind and was organized by the International Council for Women in the Arts.
The exhibit goes beyond traditional Middle East art, such as textiles, to include paintings, sculpture, mixed media installations, computerized imagery and ceramics.
“There is a great gap in Americans’ knowledge of the contemporary Arab world,” said Salwa Nashashibi, curator. “There is the impression that Arab women are relegated to second status and can’t contribute. This exhibit shows women are contributing.”
While the art spans 50 years, the emphasis is on works of the last 15 years.
“The art shows the realities of the Arab world,” Nashashibi said. “It shows war, poverty and turmoil, but it also shows people who are responding creatively.”
In an abstract painting, a Lebanese artist looks at Iraq during the Gulf War and the number of innocent people who were involved.
But not all the works involve war. “Blue and Green” is about pollution and what will happen if the problems are not solved.
The exhibit will be on display at the Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., until Dec. 16. For information about the exhibit and hours, call 312-525-3773.
