By addressing the fundamental geometry embedded in two-dimensional art, Geometric Aljamía: a Cultural Transliteration acknowledges hybrid connections between Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and the Middle East. In the past, aljamia played a significant role in preserving Islam and the Arabic language in the West. By understanding the visual arts as a transliteration of one form of thinking to another, this exhibition revisits the ongoing impact of Islamic art, science, and philosophy throughout the world today.
Since ancient times, geometric perfection (circle, square, and triangle) has been thought to convey sacred and universal truths by reflecting the fractal interconnections of the natural world. One finds these similarities across cultures embedded in many diverse ethnic patterns. Incorporating these patterns into works of art promotes access through recognition and this commonality creates a connection. Geometric ornamentation may have reached a pinnacle in the Islamic world, where it has been assimilated into all aspects of everyday life. The exhibition examines an extended cross-cultural integration of the arts into life.
This exhibition evolved out of a workshop conducted by Gower and Benitez during the 2013 Tasmeem Conference, which was organized by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCUQ) School of the Arts in Doha, Qatar.
DIGITAL PROSPECTUS: Link here
Size of Exhibition: Approximately 225 running feet. Exhibition may be sized to your gallery specifications.
Number of Works:
26 wall mounted works
4 optional sculptural works available – See Prospectus
- Checklist and Condition Report with detailed installation instructions travel with exhibition
- Special installation hardware travels with exhibition
Additional Support Material Provided by Venue:
- Confirmation letter / contract to exhibition coordinator
- Invitations, mailing, e-vite
- Gallery signage and labels
- Press material to appropriate media list
- Reception
- $1,000.00 rental fee
Transport:
All work packed in reusable museum quality boxes for freight climate controlled transport or FedEx Ground
Each venue to provide one way shipping to the next venue
- Free shipping estimates available through TCI International
- Contact Colleen Kennelly: Colleen@shippingmadesimple.com
- See prospectus for detailed box information and shipping estimates
- Actual Costs will vary by distance between venues / FedEx Shipping Calculator
Insurance: Wall to Wall / Provided by Virginia Commonwealth University
Available on request:
- High Resolution Digital Image Files / Press Packet
- Gallery Talk / Panel presentation / Workshops / Performances by artist(s) when funding permits
- Installation Assistance by artist(s) when funding permits
- Link to Catalog / Available at venue expense
- Catalog is available at venue expense through
Itinerary:
VCUQ Gallery, Doha, Qatar; March 2013
Langford 120 Gallery, Melbourne, Australia; August 2013
Total Arts Gallery, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; August – September 2014
Zuckerman Museum of Art, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA; Nov 16, 2014 – Feb 21, 2015
Chapman University Art Collections, Orange, CA; Aug 15, 2016 – Jan 15, 2017
Helen E. Copeland Gallery, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT; Feb 27 – Apr 7, 2017
Available May 2017 and beyond
PRESS:
Intercultural Interconnectivity by Sandra Bird / Journal of Global Initiatives
SPONSORS: This exhibition is sponsored in part by Virginia Commonwealth University, VCUarts, Painting and Printmaking Department
FOR MORE INFORMATION / SCHEDULE BOOKING:
Contact Reni Gower: rgower53@comcast.net
Categories: Traveling Exhibitions