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Convergences: Judeo-Islamic Mysticism meets hope
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Related Topics: SILVER SPRING, Md.
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Karim Chaibi’s “Testament of Laden Bird” on display at Convergences: Towards a Jewish/Muslim Renewal at Heliport Gallery in Silver Spring.
SILVER SPRING, Md. (Map, News) - Differences too often overshadow commonalities that could bring people together. Believing that humanity trumps hostility, two local artists seek to bridge the divide between Muslims and Jews through visionary art and a series of community dialogues.
Having coexisted peacefully for centuries, Jews and Muslims traditionally viewed their holy books, the Old Testament and the Quran, as scripts more about limitations than enlightenment.
Yet within each religion, some believers took an alternate view, explains Karim Chaibi, a Bethesda-based artist born into Islam. Muslim Sufis and Jewish adherents to the Kabbalah rejected the notion of their holy books as chains — instead, these mystics interpreting the scripture as springboards to visionary thought. “These two schools sought to see beyond the texts,” says Chaibi.
Their goal to transcend texts in pursuit of freedom and a more spiritual life infuses “Testament of Laden Bird” and “Spiritual Flight,” two of Chaibi’s works in Convergences: Towards a Jewish/Muslim Renewal, now on view at Heliport Gallery in Silver Spring. The exhibition continues Heliport’s emphasis on art that strengthens community ties and cross-cultural awareness.
The well-traveled painter’s 10 oil on linen works flicker with energy; the timeless spaces entrance with Mediterranean color, protean figures and geometric forms. They’re joined by an equal number of acrylics by Chaibi new brother-in-art, Tom Block of Silver Spring. Several months back, when Chaibi, who is also an author, shared his plan to spark dialog among the region’s Muslims and Jews, Heliport director David Fogel suggested Block as a kindred spirit. The chemistry worked.
“The search for similarities is usually an afterthought, an intellectual exercise,” notes Chaibi. He and Block put it in practice in their lives and art. “Instead of brandishing guns, we use our brushes to draw a modern Eden where Muslims and Jews can live together.”
IF YOU GO ...
Convergences: Towards a Jewish/Muslim Renewal
Opening reception: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Through April 9.
Heliport Gallery, 8001 Kennett St., Suite 3, Silver Spring
Comments from Examiner Readers
11:33 AM MST on Tue., Jul. 15, 2008 re: "China’s vivid subconscious"
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Examiner Reader said:
Where's the photo that's with this article in today's paper? I wanted to email it out with the article - ? (Why is there a map instead of the photo? Presumably, if you read the paper, you know where SF is - ?) Best -
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Examiner Reader said:
LOVE KAHLO! I saw on SFMOMA's website that they've actually extended their hours for this exhibition: until 9:45 p.m. on Thursdays, and 7:45 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. I'm going this weekend, can't wait!
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sean monohan said:
I thought this show of Beili Liu was fantastic in the truest sense. Thanks for the tip. I think it should get more attention. Sean Monohan
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Examiner Reader said:
In place of the exhibit, the San Francisco Art Institute should post a wall-full of the threatening mail it has received. The animal-killing exhibit sounds inexcusable, but violent threats are also inexcusable, and a display of them may make a similar point about humanity and inhumanity.
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emily de la cruz said:
thank u so much
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