of Philadelphia Museum for Art in Wood exhibiting “Mashrabiya Project: Seeing Through the Universe” It focuses on six women with roots in North Africa and the Middle East. Each artist uses contemporary methods to create new perspectives around ancient architectural art forms. mashrabiya Traditionally, it is a grid or screen composed of hundreds to thousands of ornately carved or worked pieces of wood or stone. Woodturning is believed to have been developed in ancient Egypt, with the earliest depictions of turning dating back to 300 BC. The interwoven construction of these parts served as a way of allowing seasonal wood movement and air flow under rapid temperature changes. cool living space.
Mashrabiya serves as both a physical and symbolic form that divides space. It was often used as a way of separating men and women from public and private eyes. Artists weave dialogues about how we perceive and interpret the designated spaces, shedding light on their historical and cultural significance. With themes ranging from personal identity to social justice, art takes many different physical and conceptual forms.
“The Mashrabiya Project: Seeing through Space” is on display at the Museum for Art in Wood until July 23, 2023, curated by Executive Director Jennifer-Navva Milliken. The exhibition features interdisciplinary artists: Anila Quayum Agha, Nida Bhadwan, Susan Hefna, Nadia Kabyrinke, Majida Hattali, and Hoda Tawakol. A recording of the discussion from each artist runs throughout the show and is featured on the museum’s website. Also, upcoming spinning workshops will be offered to the public to participate in the construction of Mashrabiya. These are guided by experienced Turners and welcome participants of all levels of experience. For more information, see: Museum for artinwood.org.
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Amazing Sculptures of Zanzibar |
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Cairo hand carved chair |
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