A&O Prize (2009) Winning Artist Helen Zughaib Fosters Dialogue

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER
By Mimi Kirk

Detail from Zughaib's "Another Wall."

WASHINGTON DC - The exhibit, at the Jerusalem Fund Gallery, “Breaching the Wall” runs through June 24, features 11 artists’ works [including Helen Zughaib] that respond to the barrier that has divided Israel from the West Bank since construction began in 2002—through sculpture, paintings, photographs, and film. [link]

Helen Zughaib with one of her "Abaya Series" paintings.

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Arab-American Artist Paints to Inspire Dialogue for Peace

ARAB NEWS
By Barbara Ferguson

"Midnight Prayers," by Helen Zughaib

WASHINGTON DC - During Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki's visit to the White House last year, President Barack Obama presented the leader with a gift: A painting by Arab American artist Helen Zughaib.The piece, “Midnight Prayers,” is notable for its symbolism and rich use of colors, depicts a scene of Arab life in a hopeful, healing and spiritual way, says Zughaib. The aim of her artwork is simple, she says: “I hope my work inspires open and continued dialogue between the Arab world and the West. I truly believe that both sides share a common bond — and that one really can have a discussion over a painting that may end stereotypes. I really want to achieve mutual understanding and have that dialogue because I have a foot in both countries and in both cultures.” [link]

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