São Paulo – Photo exhibit Taswir, a fotografia árabe contemporânea (Taswir, contemporary Arab photography) is set to premiere this Thursday evening (28) at Instituto Tomie Ohtake in São Paulo. Held by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Paris’ Arab World Institute (AWI), it features 78 photos by 14 Arab artists, many of whom are exhibiting in Latin America for the first time. The show will run until April 28. It marks March 25 – Arab Community Day in Brazil – and the 74th anniversary of the Arab League.
This Thursday morning, ANBA spoke with the French-Lebanese Mario Chouery, who’s in charge of international AWI exhibits. According to him, the unifying thread connecting the photographs is the fact that they provide the Arab youth’s perspective on the complexity of the world today.
“All photos are by young Arab artists expressing themselves in this complex world, and most of them hail from two, three or even four cultures and backgrounds at once,” said Chouery, who was born in Lebanon and relocated France at age 10.
This is the AWI’s first-ever showing in Latin America. According to Chouery, Brazil was picked because it’s home to one of the most numerous Arab diasporas in the world. “The Arab world is always internationalized. Arab artists are connected with the rest of the world,” he said.
The cultural producer said he’s glad that the venue for the show is Instituto Tomie Ohtake, “a renowned institute that holds high standards in its exhibits.” Chouery also said he appreciates the Arab Brazilian Chamber’s investment in Arab culture. “The fact that they have taken the time and money to connect people with the Arab world through art is very moving,” he said.
According to Chouery, although the AWI is based in France, its relevance is international. “We hope to count on Lebanese-Brazilian artists for upcoming exhibits.” The Arab World Institute building was designed in the late 1970s by French architect Jean Nouvel, whose works also include Louvre Abu Dhabi, in the UAE. The venue is set in the 5th District (5ème Arrondissement), Paris’ oldest neighborhood, by the Seine River banks and near the Botanical Garden. It comprises a museum housing a permanent collection, temporary exhibits on different subjects, symposiums, a concert hall hosting concerts in assorted Arab music genres, a library, a bookstore and a restaurant.
Chouery visited the Arab Chamber offices alongside photographer Lazare Mohamed, who also spoke with ANBA. The exhibit will feature five pictures taken by Mohamed in Tell Rifaat, a city north of Aleppo, Syria. “The photos are from a series based on old Syrian and Lebanese tales. Although the images portray real life in the country, they connect with the tales,” said Mohamed. One of Mohamed’s featured photographs illustrates this article.
Quick facts
Exhibit: Taswir, contemporary Arab photography
Opening: March 28, 7:30pm, guests only
Through April 28, 2019, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 8pm
Free admission
Instituto Tomie Ohtake
Avenida Faria Lima, 201, Complexo Aché Cultural
Entrance on Rua Coropés, 88, Pinheiros, São Paulo, São Paulo
Nearest subway station: Faria Lima, Line 4 – Yellow
Phone: +55 11 2245-1900
Website: www.institutotomieohtake.org.br
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
