PALESTINIAN ARTIST’S SALUTE TO POET MAHMOUD DARWEESH SHOWCASED AT
NORTH BANK ARTISTS GALLERY, APRIL 2-MAY 6
Contact: Kate Chester March 14, 2010
(503) 706-1294
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WHAT: “Dialogue,” a multi-media art exhibit from local artist Kanaan Kanaan (www.kanaankanaan.com/joomla/), celebrating the life and work of poet Mahmoud Darweesh. Free and open to the public; street parking available.
WHERE: North Bank Artists Gallery (www.northbankartistsgallery.com/)
1005 Main Street
Vancouver, Wash. 98660 (map)
WHEN: Show: April 2-May 6, 2010
Opening reception: Friday, April 2 – 6 p.m.
Regular gallery hours: 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday
DETAILS: Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darweesh is known worldwide for his commitment to peace and role as an advocate and voice for the Palestinian people. Until his death in August 2008 Darweesh sought dialogue through his poetry as a means to achieve peace and was considered a “universal human being” for his efforts.
His poem, “Ahmad al Za’tar,” was published in the 1960s, with the character of “Ahmad” representing the Palestinian people – their longing for a homeland, their lives as far-flung refugees splintered from their families, their plight in Palestine as they lived under occupation. When Lebanese musician Marcel Khalife put the poem’s words to music in 1983, “Ahmad al Za’tar” was quickly embraced as an anthem for Palestinians across the globe, and Darweesh was catapulted to international acclaim.
Kanaan Kanaan is an award-winning Palestinian artist who was born and raised in a refugee camp in Amman, Jordan. Now living in Portland, Kanaan garners inspiration for his work from his culture’s rich history. “Ahmad al Za’tar” struck a chord in him when he visited Lebanon in 1993, still reeling after the Israeli invasion of 1982 and the massacres at Sabrah and Shatelah.
“Dialogue” pays homage to Darweesh and his use of poetry – specifically “Ahmad al Za’tar” – to promote messages of universality and social justice. Poetry is an integral part of Arabic culture, in both language and art. In “Dialogue,” Kanaan weaves Darweesh’s poetry into paintings of landscapes representing Kanaan’s memories – of Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq – as a child and young adult. “As painful as it is, the words of Darweesh have offered Palestinians strength and courage,” says Kanaan. “They have kept our souls alive.
“This exhibit honors humanity, Darweesh and the continued need for dialogue to better understand one another, to reach out using peaceful means. This is what I want to share,” Kanaan says.
For more information, contact Kate Chester at (503) 706-1294