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Two for the Show
Artists Zughaib and Davis Show Eclectic Exhibits at
Visions
by Dina Guirguis
The International Visions Gallery
is showing not one fascinating exhibit this month,
but two exhibits by two eclectic artists with very
different themes, painting styles and artistic experiences.
One of the exhibits is called "Tribute"
by artist Helen Zughaib, whose inventive paintings
bring together both a strong Middle Eastern flair
as well as an American sensibility. The paintings
include images of American symbols, such as the Lincoln
Memorial, but convey a Middle Eastern dimension because
of the effective way Zughaib uses color, patterns
and styles from the region.
Another painting, titled "Prayer
Rug for America," is a creative expression of
unity, especially after the events of Sept. 11. The
prayer rug, an important Muslim symbol, is adorned
in Middle Eastern patterns but surrounded with the
American flag and painted fittingly in red, white
and blue.
"These paintings just happened
in spite of myself," Zughaib said. "The
sights and sound of the Arab world are in me."
Zughaib is able to bring this cross-cultural
and somewhat universal sense to her art largely because
of her background. As an Arab-American she brings
to her work a mix of tradition, culture and a way
of life. Zughaib was born in Beirut and spent most
of her childhood there until she and her family moved
to the United States.
"It was very painful leaving.
It was during an evacuation, and it was very emotional,"
Zughaib said.
But the emotions do more than strengthen
her work. Zughaib continues to feel a strong attachment
to her birthplace and former home. She still has many
relatives in Lebanon and has always felt somewhat
divided. Nonetheless, she continued her studies in
the United States and graduated from Syracuse University
with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1981.
"This collection represents tribute
in every sense of the word. It is spiritual in that
it represents a new point in my life where things
are happier, and it’s a tribute to both sides
of myself that I am equally proud of."
Nearly 20 of the gouache-and-ink paintings
will be displayed in the exhibit.
In addition to "Tribute,"
the gallery will also be exhibiting a collection titled
"Human Spirit" by artist and gallery director
and owner Tim Davis.
The "Human Spirit" paintings
are a portrayal of the changing conditions of the
human spirit and of the interactions involved in every
relationship. Bright colors and haunting silhouettes
complete Davis’s potent themes.
"The people portrayed are not
actual individuals but the spirits of people and reflect
experiences that have happened to me along my life,"
Davis said.
The 14 acrylic paintings took Davis
about a year and a half to complete. The paintings
work together as a series, and audiences can witness
the changes over time from the first to the last painting.
This is the first time they will be displayed to the
public.
"Tribute" and "Human
Spirit" run through May 25 at the International
Visions Gallery, 2629 Connecticut Ave., NW, Wed. to
Thu., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fri. to Sat., 12 p.m.
to 7 p.m. For more information, please call (202)
234-5112.
Dina Guirguis is an editorial intern
for The Washington Diplomat.
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