Events

Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Searching for the Divine in Contemporary Islamic Art

May 26, 2017 - June 19, 2017

Searching for the Divine in Contemporary Islamic Art, an exhibition of paintings by newly juried Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association member Ahmed Ansari, will be on display in TAG (Gallery 311) from May 26 – June 18.

Apprehension and misunderstandings abound when discussing Islam and Muslims. This exhibit extols the beauty and simplicity of some of the basic tenets of the Quran and names of God rendered in traditional Islamic calligraphy interpreted in abstract forms. The paintings are meant to break away from a single audience of fellow Muslims and reach across the divide to a shared appreciation of the Divine. The timing of this exhibit is fitting given that May 27, 2017 marks the first day of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual pursuits amongst all Muslims worldwide.

Ansari was born and raised in Mumbai, India. While in college, he worked with textile, jewelry, and commercial design, including Arabic calligraphy. Ansari’s career as a graphic designer and art director led him to positions in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. In 1990, he immigrated to the United States to work for an international advertising agency in Boulder, Colorado. For more than 30 years, Ansari’s commercial work focused on digital media and web design. In the last few years he has focused his attention on his life-long love of Arabic calligraphy and fine art painting. Ansari currently resides in Chantilly, Virginia, and was juried into the Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association in April 2017.

Searching for the Divine in Contemporary Islamic Art will be in Gallery 311 from May 26 – June 19. There will be an opening reception on June 8 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm.

TAG is Open Daily

Friday – Tuesday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Wednesday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Details

Start:
May 26, 2017
End:
June 19, 2017
Event Categories:
, ,

Contact Us

Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Email: [email protected]
Get Directions

Open Daily

Visit Daily10 a.m. - 6 p.m.*

Masks are optional for visitors, artists, and staff, though may be required in some studios and galleries. Check Today’s Hours for expanded information.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is closed for New Year's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

* Periodic 5 p.m. closure for private events. See dates on Today’s Hours.

Studio and Gallery Hours

Artists maintain their own studio hours. It's best to confirm availability before your visit.

Connect Online