BOSTON, June 4, 2012 – Discover Roxbury’s ArtROX series and the American Islamic Congress (AIC) will present a multimedia art exhibit “Egyptian Moments, Roxbury Connection” this summer in Boston. The exhibit showcases the work of five Roxbury artists inspired by their recent travels to Egypt. The exhibit opens on June 14 at the AIC Center, 38 Newbury Street, in Boston’s Back Bay.
“Egypt has been an irresistible and enigmatic destination for artists from around the world for millennia, my fellow artists and I myself are no exception,” Derek Lumpkins, Discover Roxbury’s Executive Director and a featured artist, said. “The inspiration we drew from discovering this mesmerizing culture has pushed each of us to explore new levels and spaces in our art.”
The exhibit features work of multimedia artists Lucilda Dassardo-Cooper, Ekua Holmes and Basil El Halwagy, as well as photographers Hakim Raquib and Derek Lumpkins. Inspired by Egypt and informed by their Roxbury roots, the artwork manifests commonalities of the artists’ experience of Egypt. It also spotlights the artists’ individual, deeply personal and divergent visions of the country, making salient issues of identity, religion and race.
“We are pleased to be working together with DiscoverRoxbury on this unique exhibit,” Zainab Al-Suwaij, Executive Director of AIC, said. “Arts are an important part of strengthening intercultural dialogue and understanding. Partnerships like this allow us to present new perspectives on our communities and move beyond stereotypes.”
An opening reception for “Egyptian Moments, RoxburyConnection” will take place on Thursday, June 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A gallery talk will be held Tuesday, June 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., providing attendees with an opportunity to hear the artists speak about their work and discuss their experiences of Egypt.
Discover Roxbury promotes the social, cultural and economic development of Roxbury through guided walking, trolley and bike tours of the neighborhood’s vibrant arts, cultural heritage, and centuries of history. Discover Roxbury sponsors culinary events, Roxbury Open Studios, theHistory Speaker Series and ArtROX! 2012 which features a season of exhibitions, events and gatherings that provide an environment for stimulating conversations and spirited interactions.
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