Challenging the norms yet honoring the traditions of their Islamic heritage through their work, six contemporary artists will have pieces on display through March 30 at the University of North Texas Art Gallery.
“Cross Currents: Tradition and Innovation in Contemporary Art of the Islamic World” is a traveling exhibition curated and organized by Jessica Hunter-Larsen of the InterDisciplinary Experimental Art Program at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.
The exhibition features the work of six international artists: Azra Aksamija (Massachusetts, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Ayad Alkadhi (New York, Iraq), Shoja Azari (New York, Iran), Reza Derakshani (Texas, Iran), Naiza H. Khan (Pakistan) and Soody Sharifi (Texas, Iran).
“Employing a wide range of media, the artists each adapt or appropriate aesthetic strategies and themes from Persian and Arab traditions to address contemporary issues,” Hunter-Larsen said.
The artists approach traditional themes and forms differently. Some of the artists blend traditional forms with contemporary media. Other artists in the show use more subtle references to traditional aesthetics.
The free exhibit will be in the UNT Art Gallery, on the first floor in the Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
— Staff report
