Saturday, January 13, 2018

Orientalism In American Art and the Silvermine Art Colony

The New Canaan Historical Society is presenting a unique exhibit on Orientalism curated by Tom Davies (curator of Art in America), Susan Gunn Bromley, Museum and Art Consultant, and Advisory Committee member Edward Vollmer.  This exhibition runs through March 31. 

The exhibit features American artists who traveled, painted and often lived for extended periods in an area that stretched from Morocco across North Africa, Egypt, The Holy Lands and Persia to India.  In the 19th century, this mostly Islamic world became known as the "Orient."  The European and American artists who, beginning in the 1840s, ventured into this forbidden world were called "Orientalists."  The show includes more than 30 paintings and etchings plus furniture, rugs, jewelry and decorative objects. 
Associated with this exhibition, on January 28 @ 2 p.m. the New Canaan Historical Society will welcome Zuhair Suidan who will give a lecture on  "Where To? A Perspective on the Arab World", will touch on the history of the Middle East, address recent political developments and implications for the future.
Mr. Suidan brings a unique perspective to the seemingly intractable difficulties in the Middle East. As an American, a Palestinian, an Israeli, and an Arab Christian, Mr. Suidan's outlook has been framed by a life of many cultural and geopolitical experiences amid a varied geography. He was born in Palestine. As a young boy he became a refugee in Lebanon for 5 years. He received his high school education in Israel, and his university education in the United States.
Mr. Suidan is a long-time resident of New Canaan raising four children who were educated in New Canaan's public schools. He has volunteered with the Town Players of New Canaan for a number of years and has served as President of the New Canaan Men's Club in 2016-2017.
Professionally, Mr. Suidan had a long career with IBM. Since 1993, he has headed Suidan Associates, a management consultancy focused on business development and strategic planning.

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