Birds of Intoxication by Samira Abbassy The Meeting by Seher Shah Flag by Sara Rahbar

Abrons Arts Center Gallery presents CHANGING CLIMATE, CHANGING COLORS: 24 CONTEMPORARY MUSLIM ARTISTS

24 Muslim artists will uncover their personal insights, beliefs, politics, and methods of defining their individual’s cultural and religious stance within a secular environment at the Abrons Arts Center from January 16 through March 16. Curated by Mareena W. Daredia, Changing Climate, Changing Colors brings together a diverse group of artists hailing from North African, South Asian, Middle and Far Eastern cultures. Their work begs us to reconsider our positions and impressions, while questioning the very foundation of why Islamic and Western societies are at odds. Addressing issues that range from overt political statements and current “Muslim” conflicts, to introspective reflections of personal identity and expression, these artists offer a unique investigation into the routinely overlooked cultural diversity within Islam.

Featuring a wide array of media from performance art to paintings, each artist captures the current misgivings, doubts, fears, desires, and ultimate hopes that continue to evolve through an Islamic lens. Artists include Samira Abbassy, Tareq Abboushi, Sabah Ahmed, Bijli, Diana Al-Hadid, Javid Alibhai, Meher Asad, Bushra Chaudry, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Khadija Daya, Hasan Elahi, Yasmin Etemadi, Huma Gul, Sarah Husain, Masood Kamandy, Yasamin Keshtkar, Asma Arshad Mahmood, Sara Rahbar, Sa’dia Rehman, Hadieh Marjan Shafie, Mo Shah, Tahera Seher Shah, Saba Waheed, and Emna Zghal.

Changing Climate, Changing Colors is inspired by the works of Muhammad Iqbal (d. 1938), a poet philosopher from India. He regarded art as a dynamic force for expression, as time-changing rather than time-bound and dependent — and the integrity of the self preserved only through constant transformation.

Zamany kay andaaz badlay gayay,
Naya raag hai, saaz badlay gayay.

The ways of Time have been changed,
There is a new tune, instruments have been changed.

- Muhammad Iqbal

Abrons Arts Center at Henry Street Settlement, 466 Grand Street, (at Pitt street), 212.598.0400, abronsartscenter.org

Julie Muller Stahl is Marketing Director for Abrons

Labels: Art