2010 shows
Souq Market Show
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To ring in 2010 and to celebrate its 9th anniversary and over 90 exhibitions, this month Gallery Z will draw inspiration for its show from the traditional markets in the Arab world known as souqs. Historically, the souq was a place where caravans of shopkeepers and tradesmen would congregate to sell goods in an atmosphere of lively banter. In fact, many souqs were often great festivals and celebrations with many activities and lots of merriment.
Souqs still remain in many Arab countries today and are usually weekly, monthly, or annual events. Many souqs today have become more specialized, with different markets for food and agricultural produce, pets, and used goods. Some of the most beautiful are those where artisans display their work, creating entire streets laden with unique art and culture. Gallery Z aspires to recreate the warm atmosphere of this sort of market by filling the gallery with a vast assortment of artists, artwork, music, and food. The gallery will be transformed with beautiful tapestries, tables where artists will sell their work, silent auctions, costumes, and much more. Armenian performance artist Arpie Dadoyan will perform at the opening reception. Dadoyan grew up in Lebanon and moved to the United States to pursue an acting career, but instead ended up singing Armenian and French ballads around the country, eventually making an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. Recently, Dadoyan has been on tour with two different one-woman shows. Differing somewhat from previous exhibitions, and embracing the energy of the souq, this show will provide a more intimate experience to encourage new and friendly rapports between artists, customers, and the gallery staff. In the spirit of its January 2009 show featuring the making of musical instruments, Gallery Z hopes to have an equally festive start to its new exhibition year! |
