Exhibition: Women Artists of Eastern Diasporas

Ornament and Narrative Women Artists of Eastern Diasporas Artist Lecture: Siona Benjamin In the Stedman Gallery Thursday November 15th, 4 pm  Reception immediately following  The painter Siona Benjamin, who resides in New Jersey, will discuss the ideas animating her work as well as how her cultural heritage has influenced her practice. "I am an artist originally from Bombay, India, of Bene Israel Jewish descent. My work reflects my background and the transition between my old and new worlds." Her work in Ornament and Narrative features the installationLilith and paintings from her recent series Improvisation that draw on traditional images, cultural references and styles from her Indian-Jewish heritage, transformed through her own unique, contemporary pop cultural sensibility. The work synthesizes seemingly disparate elements from her rich multi-cultural background, and elements of both her old and new worlds.  Lilith (detail) 2007 gouache on gold leaf on wood panel 30 x 26 in Courtsey of Flomenhaft Gallery New York  .

Ornament and Narrative Women Artists of Eastern Diasporas Through December 15 Ornament and Narrative:Women Artists of Eastern Diasporas features the work of Roya Akhavan, Najla Arafa, Siona Benjamin, Lalla Essaydi, Sissi Farassat, Naomi Safran-Hon, Soody Sharifi, Mitra Tabrizian and Shahar Yahalom. This exhibition brings together women from the East, most of whom live abroad, whose contact with other cultures transforms the artistic traditions that travel with them. Gallery Hours:  Monday through Saturday 10 am - 4 pm; Thursday evenings until 8 pm Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts programs are made possible with support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; Campbell Soup Foundation; and other generous supporters.