APPLETON, WIS. — Photographer Sama Alshaibi discusses her current art exhibit — “SUMOUD” — featured in Lawrence University’s Wriston Art Center Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. in the art center auditorium.
Born of Palestinian-Iraqi descent, Alshaibi moved to America with her parents during the Iran-Iraq war and was unable to return until three years ago. Her photographs reveal feelings of her conflicting heritage between her two homelands and explores notions of war, forced migration and female identity. Often using her own body to represent other women’s trials and suffering, Alshaibi’s pieces are influenced both by current events and her background.
“SUMOUD,” which translates to “steadfastness,” is a term from post-Nekba Palestinian art where women are “iconic signifiers of a people’s tenacity.” Featuring photographs of women overlapped with text, Alshaibi’s work shows her struggle to identify with a history she feels disconnected with as well as to honor and extend a legacy she has been denied.
An assistant professor of art at the University of Arizona, Alshaibi also is the co-founder of the 6+ women’s art collective. Her photography and videos are widely exhibited internationally.
Alshaibi’s exhibit is featured in the Wriston Art Center Hoffmaster Gallery through Oct. 20. Wriston Art Center hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from noon – 4 p.m. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, call 920-832-6621.
