The marvelous work of Ayanna Muata was in the windows October through December, 2014. She was followed by the young illustrator Nathan Motzko.
NOW SHOWING in the Susan Hensel Window Gallery Windows are fifteen paintings by Iraqi artists and presented to you by Iraqi American Reconciliation Project (IARP), a Minneapolis based non-profit. This exhibition which features paintings on raw canvases tells a story about a group of artists who began sending their paintings to Minnesota in the hopes of being heard and understood.
In
2005, a group of trained, professional artists in Najaf and Karbala, Iraq who
were affiliated with IARP’s sister program, the Muslim Peace Maker’s team sent
their art work to IARP rolled in the suitcases of those participating in
peacemaking exchanges between the U.S. and Iraq. IARP had the loose canvas
paintings stretched and framed and then displayed them in coffee shops, churches
and galleries. Over the years these paintings have been shown in over fifty galleries and public spaces in Minneapolis.
IARP’s art program has greatly expanded to include a documentary video series,
bookmaking program as well as several curated exhibits that have toured the
country. As the ten-year anniversary of the Iraqi Art Program approaches we
believe that it is only appropriate to highlight some of these paintings and to
take a look back at the messages of peace and understanding that they inspired.
To learn more about the
artwork and Iraqi American Art Project please visit:
Contact:
info@reconciliationproject.org
952-545-9981
