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Large Stenciled Paintings by Artist Chant Avedissian on Display at National Museum of African Art

WASHINGTON, DC - A series of panels by preeminent Egyptian artist Chant Avedissian, which address the multi-layered visual history and social memory of modern-day Egypt, went on view Nov. 19 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Ave. S.W.). "Chant Avedissian: A Contemporary Artist of Egypt" continues through Feb. 19, 2001.

Drawing subject matter from billboard advertisements and popular media of 1950s Cairo, "Avedissian creates nostalgic, whimsical and, at times, satirical commentaries on the strength of the visual in public culture," says the museum's curator of contemporary art, Elizabeth Harney.

Born in 1951, Avedissian is the son of Armenian refugees who fled the Turkish incursions in 1915-1916. Orphaned as a teenager, he led a migratory life, developing a keen sense of cultural images, signs and icons. After studying fine art in Montreal and applied art in Paris during the 1970s, he returned to Egypt in 1980, convinced that painting with oils was inappropriate and ineffective for his artistic expression and Egyptian audience. He turned, instead, to photography, costumes and textile design, and the stenciling technique seen in the works presented in the exhibition. Abandoning oil paintings, the artist discovered a process that enabled him to reproduce and superimpose images and experiment with various textures and colors. He subsequently honed this technique, producing highly detailed and personal works composed of hundreds of juxtaposed and layered stenciled images of people, places and objects.

On view are the following works that are part of the museum's permanent collection: "The Dogs," "The Sites," and "The Nasser Era" and "Om Kalsoum" - all created around 1994. Made on corrugated cardboard and bordered with patterned fabrics, these painted stencils can be carried about like scrolls or hung in varying arrangement. The works are all 8 feet high; two are more than 9 feet wide and one is 17 feet wide.

In his works, Avedissian freely mixes symbols of ancient political and religious power - the hieroglyphs and monuments of dynastic Egypt - with portraits of popular politicians, singers, movie personalities and colorful, local characters. Visitors familiar with Egyptian history and culture will recognize King Farouk, President Nasser, and Om Kalsoum, a famous Egyptian diva.

"The juxtaposition and layering of diverse images enable Avedissian to consider simultaneously the legacy left by colonialism, the rise of Arab nationalism, the spread of modern consumerism, and the lessons of indigenous artistry and ingenuity," says Harney.


ACTIVITY CARDS AND CHILDREN'S ROOM

Gallery cards picturing selected famous people and symbols from the works provide questions intended to encourage visitors to examine the art more closely.

A children's activity room, developed by the museum's director of school and youth programs, Veronika Jenke, is located within the exhibition gallery. Called "Avedissian's World," the space includes an art activity combining drawing, stamping and stenciling; a magnetic board that allows participants to rearrange small-scale versions of Avedissian's works; a writing exercise inspired by one of the artist's panels; a listening station with Egyptian and Iraqi music; and a reading area.


FREE PROGRAMS AND PUBLICATION

The public will have a rare opportunity to meet the artist in three events at the museum in January and February 2001. On Jan. 27, Avedissian will participate in a colloquium on "Collecting and the Contemporary African Art Market." The 1:00 p.m. program will also feature collectors, gallery owners and scholars discussing aspects of building and maintaining a collection of contemporary African art. On Jan. 28 at 2:00 p.m., Avedissian will discuss his works and provide insight into the iconic images he often utilizes in them. A workshop on Feb. 3-4 will give teachers an opportunity to explore the many themes of Avedissian's work with the artist and participate in a studio activity with him. The workshop is intended for studio art teachers and those who teach about contemporary Africa. On Feb. 19, curator Harney will discuss the exhibition.

For a complete schedule of events, call (202) 357-4600 ext. 222.

In addition, a free brochure includes a biography of the artist, a description of works and a list of the artist's pervious exhibitions.

The National Museum of African Art is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Telephone, (202) 357-2700 or (202) 357-1729 (TTY). National Museum of African Art home page: www.si.edu/nmafa.