Storytelling is a central component of societal development across centuries and cultures. Whether used as a tool to recall history, preserve identity, or to transmit morals, it is a means for understanding and sharing human experiences. Oral traditions and the written word are perhaps the most obvious modes of communication associated with storytelling, however visual artists have equally engaged with it throughout history, and continue to do so today.
Curated by Lila Nazemian, “I open my eyes and see myself under a tree laden with fruit that I cannot name” is an exhibition entitled after a line in Sinan Antoon’s latest novel, The Book of Collateral Damage, featured alongside Hadieh Shafie and Zarina, whose works are deeply embedded within narrative mediums. Through the use of paper, printing methods and orality, each artist produces works that function as allegories for sharing stories of home and of their lived experiences.
During the course of the exhibition, public programs such as artist talks between Shafie, Antoon and Nazemian will take place, in addition to poetry recitations accompanied by live music from Iran, Iraq and South Asia.
Mon - Fri 11am - 6pm
Sat 10am - 5pm
Opening Reception: Jan 16, 6:30pm
Artist Talk with Hadieh Shafie and Sinan Antoon: Jan 30, 6:30pm
Master Class with Hadieh Shafie: Feb 1 & 2, 11-5pm
Live Music Performance: March 6, 6:30pm
Center for Book Arts
28 West 27th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY
40.744778, -73.9899411
“I open my eyes and see myself under a tree laden with fruit that I cannot name.”
