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An exceptional exhibition at Unity Gallery at Unity Church, 1243 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209, Buffalo, NY, from July 5 through August 30 with an opening reception on July 5 from 7-9 p.m. Admission free
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Buffalo, NY--Don’t be fooled by the vibrant colors and rhythmic figurations of COMPASSION: New Works by Terresa Ford. This show is more than just pretty colors and soulful depictions of religious icons. Ford dares to do what all cultures do, infuse ethnicity into religion. Jesus is depicted with dreadlocks; and Mary is several shades darker than her Italian counterpart of the Renaissance. These courageous works will challenge all your ideas about religion, race, history and the role of African American artists in contemporary society.
This exhibition of mixed media paintings contemplates common ritual, reasoning, and practice. "The works in this exhibition focus on the commonalities between religions and are in support of social and spiritual transformation," explains the artist, Terresa Ford.
Compassion is the culmination of more than eighteen months of research and studio work and is the first solo exhibition for Ford in more than ten years. She explores universal religious imagery, forms of prayer, rituals of honoring the dead and iconographic heroes and heroines. Ford juxtaposes the images of biblical figures like Kadijah, first wife of the Prophet Mohammad, and Mary, mother of Jesus to elucidate the reverence for women in both Islam and Christianity.
On display will be only a fraction of the works created for this series, from traditional canvas paintings, works on paper to found objects. The influence of sacred text on this exhibition is evident in the scorched paper and incorporation of writings in Aramaic, Arabic, and Hebrew.
This exhibition is a thought provoking combination of history, veneration, and love of color. Compassion will offer Muslims, Christians and Jews, and all those with an interest in religious art, a fresh insight into this essential aspect of humanity.
Sponsored in part by Unity Church of Practical Christianity, Euphoric Coaching, Who’s On First Gourmet Deli, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
