SPAN Galleries - 24th October 2007
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Shepparton Floor Talk - 22 February 2008
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Why Women? There Are Four Reasons
Bishop John Bayton, AM, Artist, Theologian, Visiting Fellow Trinity College Theological School
Read Bishop Bayton's Floor Talk
Download Bishop Bayton's Floor Talk
Contemporary Australian Islamic Art: A Woman's Perspective
Nur Shkembi, Firhana Imam, Sherene Hassan, Huda Merhi, Maryam Bekris
Read Nur Shkembi's Floor Talk.
Download Flyer
Media Interview with Prof. Khalid Khreis ,
Director-General of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Art,
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Breaking the Veils
Breaking the Veils exhibition breaks the silence on women and Islam
Hosted by The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne and curated by HRH Princess Widjan Al Hashemi of Jordan, the exhibition aims to remove the 'veils' of misconception and misunderstanding that distort the image of women in Islamic countries.
The exhibition highlights the works of fifty-one women artists who live in twenty-one Islamic countries around the world. Many of the artists are practising professionals with degrees in fine art, while others are self-taught. Although the works do not represent any particular religion - the individual faiths of the women include Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism - the exhibition embodies those cultures that are rooted in the Islamic tradition.
This exhibition is a unique celebration of the diverse ways in which women from Islamic countries see the world and gives us a better understanding of these women's lives.
The subject matter of the artistic works reflects universal social and feminist themes, including politics, identity and relationships, as well as messages of freedom and human dignity. Meriam Bouderbala's deceptively simple and direct works, for example, are highly symbolic but rich in meaning (see Image above). In contrast, the dreamlike compositions of Souad Attar delve into classical Arab myths, folk tales and poetry, and explore the secret world of male/female sexuality (see Image below -The Blue Paradise).
Dr. Khalid Khreis, Director General of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, will oversee the exhibition while it is in Melbourne.
"We are honoured that this exhibition is being presented to the people of Australia. Since 2002, these works have been displayed in galleries throughout Europe, where they have been warmly received. It is our hope that the exhibition will promote a better understanding of women from the Islamic world and Islamic culture," Dr Khreis explained.
You may download a Brochure for the exhibition. Exhibition Brochure [PDF, 1Mb]
Selection of Images
You may view a selection of images from this Exhibition (24th October to 10th November 2007 Span Galleries in Melbourne and 25 January to 23 March 2008 in Shepparton).
The presentation has been made possible by the support of the Australian Government. Other sponsors include NAB, Australian Multicultural Foundation and the City of Melbourne.
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne is a cultural and educational non-profit organisation that aims to promote understanding and respect among the different religious and spiritual communities living in Melbourne, the region and the world. Founded in 2000 by Helen Summers, interfaith minister, the Centre has held many successful events that have brought together people of different faiths and cultures.
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne - Promoting Understanding and Cooperation For Peaceful Coexistence