Asian Artists at Warwick Museum of Art Tonight
Friday, June 08, 2012
Members of the Laotian Dance Troupe will be part of the festivities tonight at the Warwick Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of "Moments In Time."
Friday's Artist Reception offers art lovers and collectors the chance to view works by renowned and emerging artists, all of it available for sale, and mingle with five artists that evening. Guests will also experience Kuchipudi style dance routines based on Hindu mythology; traditional Laotian dancers will perform classical Natasin steps in costume; and traditional henna-based temporary tattoo art called Mehndi will be available for those who want to be adorned. Refreshments with an Asian accent will also be served. The reception is free and open to the public, though donations will be gratefully accepted.
"Moments In Time"
"Moments In Time" showcases works by T.P.G. Amarajeewa whose paintings depict his reaction to three decades of war in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka, as well as Paul Mahendar whose 15+ photographs and paintings focus on his experiences in India. Other artists featured in the exhibit include Chaminda Gamage and Ranjith Wijesinghe from Sri Lanka; and Sompaseuth Chounlamany who was born in Laos and now lives in D.C. RI-based artists include Thailet Saengaloun who was born in Laos and creates ceramic sculptures in Pawtucket; Benjamin Rittman a painter with Chinese roots; and Kameko Branchaud who has Japanese heritage. Visitors to WMOA this June will be rewarded with a rare opportunity to see thought-provoking artwork that truly crosses cultural boundaries.
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The creative mind behind both the exhibit and Artist Reception is Silaphone Nhongvongsouthy. Born and raised in Savannakhet, Laos, she now lives in Providence and is affiliated with the Laotian Community Center of RI where she helps educate the public about Asian arts and culture. "My curatorial debut last year was an amazing experience that provided building blocks for future shows," explained Ms. Nhongvongsouthy recently. "This year, with "A Moment in Time", I developed a more personal view of the artists through their work."
"Silaphone was a natural choice as guest curator for the WMOA exhibit; she curated the 2nd Annual State Asian Art Exhibit at the Atrium Gallery on Capitol Hill in 2011," explained Elena Elena Calderon-Patino, Community Arts Program Director of RISCA. "Her work reflects a long-standing dedication to the arts and culture of the Asian community here, so we're thrilled to support her vision." RISCA provides mentorship and development opportunities for curators in underserved communities with the "New Visions / New Curators" program which was started in 2011. Since then, 6 exhibits have been created and organized by curators of color.
RISCA makes it happen
Guests at the Artist Reception will who meet Ranjith Wijesinghe from Sri Lanka and Paul Mahendar from India have RISCA to thank for the opportunity. The concept of reaching across the globe to showcase works by artists from Sri Lanka and India originated with the International Artist & Cultural Exchange Program, a collaboration between RI State Council On the Arts (RISCA), As220 who provided living and work quarters, and WMOA who provided gallery space. "The exhibit "Moments in Time" and our Artist Reception are prime opportunities to view seldom-scene examples of Asian art," stated WMOA program director Patty Martucci, "so we hope as many people as possible stop by and meet the artists!"
Free parking behind WMOA and Warwick City Hall makes it easy to attend the Artist Reception or stop by and see the exhibit. More information can be found at www.warwickmuseum.org, on Facebook under "Events", or by calling WMOA during regular hours (401-737-0010).
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