Helen Zughaib visited the Sordoni Art Gallery in late October to introduce her Migrations exhibit to campus and the community. Now the artist will return for a special micro-residency featuring a panel discussion, cocktail reception and last look at the exhibit from Thursday, Feb. 26, to Saturday, Feb. 28.
“I had worked with Helen in the past when I included her in a prior project,” says Heather Sincavage, director of the Sordoni Art Gallery. “She was excellent to work with and as I got to know her better, I felt her work and her story were tremendously compelling. She approaches difficult material with sensitivity and empathy, something we always want to instill in our visitors, yet she is entirely accessible.”
In Migrations, Zughaib attempts to draw viewers’ attention to the modern Syrian crisis and give voice to those affected, particularly women and children migrants and refugees. Inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s 1941 Migration Series, Zughaib’s exhibit explores the struggles and perseverance of those displaced by conflict.
“We have 58 paintings,” said Zughaib during her Art in Context lecture. “I wasn’t really trying to match Jacob Lawrence’s 60 pieces. That would have been nice, but that wasn’t necessarily my goal.”
Though the number of paintings isn’t quite equal and the two artists created decades apart, their depictions of the Great Migration and displacement during the war in Syria and the Arab Spring share themes of struggle, violence and, ultimately, hope.
In the exhibit catalog she designed, student curator Emily Romanoskey notes: “Helen Zughaib and Jacob Lawrence may be separated by time and geography, but the two artists are united by their commitment to telling powerful stories of migration, resilience and social upheaval through art.”
The artists also share a use of bright colors that seem to be in sharp contrast with some of the works’ more difficult subjects. “My very subversive intention is to bring you to the painting first,” says Zughaib. “And then, if it’s so repulsive and so hard to look at, you’re not going to look. You’re going to turn away. But at least I can bring you, then we can talk.”
Anyone who would like to continue the conversation is invited to participate in micro-residency events or stop by the gallery before the exhibit closes on Feb. 28.
For more information, visit wilkes.edu/sordoniartgallery.
Thursday, Feb. 26 | Noon
Art In Context Immigration Panel Discussion
Featuring Helen Zughaib and Wilkes University faculty
Moderated by Andreea Maierean, associate professor of political science, the panel will explore immigration stories as they intersect with art, lived experience and scholarly inquiry. The conversation will feature exhibiting artist Helen Zughaib alongside Wilkes University faculty, bringing together artistic, cultural and academic perspectives on migration, displacement and identity.
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cocktails & Culture*
$30 ($25 for gallery members)
*Registration required
Tickets available at wilkes.edu/sordonigallery
Diamond City Partnership and Sordoni Art Gallery will host the return of Cocktails & Culture. Join us to take a closer look at the current exhibition featuring a tour from the artist herself, Helen Zughaib. The night will be filled with Mediterranean cuisine and live music. Don’t miss this popular event!
Saturday, Feb. 28 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Last Look: Artist Demo
The Sordoni Art Gallery will cap off the residency and exhibition with a special Last Look: Artist Demo. Zughaib will talk about her creative process and show her gouache painting techniques. Lite refreshments will be served.