"Universal Messages" at Berkeley Art Center

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniel Nevers, Executive Director
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Tel: 510-644-6893
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NEW EXHIBITION AT BERKELEY ART CENTER SHOWCASES MUSLIM WOMEN ARTISTS IN THE BAY AREA
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Opening Reception: Saturday, November 3, 6–8 pm
Exhibition Dates: November 3–December 2, 2018

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BERKELEY, CA—Berkeley Art Center (BAC) presents Universal Messages: New Vistas, a new exhibition curated by Salma Arastu and featuring works by nine contemporary Muslim women painters. Inspired by the beauty of Arabic calligraphy — which developed from the Islamic tradition forbidding the depiction of God, Mohamed and the prophets in art — the artists in this show work abstractly to represent spiritual concepts, words and ideas.
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“The idea behind Universal Messages is the commonality between faiths,” says Arastu, who was born into a spiritual Hindu family in India but converted to Islam when she married a Muslim man. “When I did that, my God did not betray me, He walked with me and stayed with me, though rituals changed. That has assured me that God is One.”

Alongside some of her own work, Arastu has selected paintings by Bassamat Fayoumi Bahnasy, Manli Salimah Chao, Rabea Chaudhry, Rubina Kazi, Yasmin Khafagi, Azeem Khaliq, Nabeela Sajjad and Ayesha Samdani. “I particularly chose to have women artists in the group, as there seems to be perceptible negativity about Islam, and especially Muslim women, in society today,” she says.
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As part of the opening reception, singers and performers of various faith backgrounds will present “Sounds of Faith,” a program of spiritual songs, starting at 7pm. The performance will begin with a recitation from the Quran, followed by Jewish and Christian hymns, and will include members of the Islamic Society of San Francisco, the Universal Unitarian Church of San Francisco, the Islamic Cultural Center of Oakland, and the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County. Additional programs will accompany the exhibition throughout its run.
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS
MANDALA WORKSHOP
Sunday, November 11, 1pm–3pm
Donate what you wish, RSVP requested

Community members of all ages are invited to create their own mandalas, as well as contribute to a group mandala with lead artist Salma Arastu. A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Indian and Buddhist religions, representing the universe. According to the artist, all faiths are connected through philosophy, myths, rituals and deep-rooted beliefs in the mandala circle, and are moving towards the center.
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IN SEARCH OF ETERNAL LOVE
Thursday, November 15, 7pm
Free for BAC Members/$10 Nonmembers, RSVP requested
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Performance artist Naina Shastri and visual artist Salma Arastu collaborate on a performance that combines classical Indian dance, poetry and video projection to connect thirteenth-century Persian mystic Mevlana Rumi and sixteenth-century Indian saint Meera Bai, who both spoke of finding salvation in love.
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ABOUT BERKELEY ART CENTER
BAC is dedicated to the presentation of visual art exhibitions, performances and literary programs that serve the diverse and creative citizens of Berkeley and beyond. Since 1967, BAC has exhibited work by Bay Area artists in a range of disciplines and media, while hosting varied educational and public programs for all ages. From its inception, BAC’s programs have reflected Berkeley’s powerful influence on important political and cultural movements.
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Nestled in Live Oak Park in an Arts and Crafts–style building with an outdoor sculpture patio, BAC was designed by Robert Ratcliff Architects in 1967 and built by the Rotary Club as a gift to the City of Berkeley. Today, BAC hosts more than 12,000 visitors each year.
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Berkeley Art Center is located at 1275 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA 94709. Gallery admission is free. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm, and for special events. Additional information at 510-644-6893 or .
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Image: Manli Salimah Chao, Beyond Horizon #08, acrylic and Chinese ink on canvas

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奥别诲苍别蝉诲补测–厂耻苍诲补测,?11补尘–5辫尘

1275 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA

Berkeley Art Center

1275 Walnut St

Berkeley, CA 94709

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LISA BULLWINKEL
Berkeley Art & Culture Hotline
www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com/BACHotline

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LISA BULLWINKEL
Berkeley Art & Culture Hotline
www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com/BACHotline

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"Universal Messages" at Berkeley Art Center

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奥别诲苍别蝉诲补测–厂耻苍诲补测,?11补尘–5辫尘 1275 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA

奥别诲苍别蝉诲补测–厂耻苍诲补测,?11补尘–5辫尘

1275 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA