Photo credit: Emily Smith
A new exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art aims to introduce Kansas City audiences to contemporary art from or inspired by the Islamic lands, according to Director Julián Zugazagoitia.
“This exhibition highlights some of the outstanding works in our collection that have not been seen in a long time,” said Zugazagoitia. “Enriched with magnificent loans that will allow us to introduce Kansas City audiences to contemporary art from or inspired by the Islamic lands.”
Echoes: Islamic Art and Contemporary Artists opens at the Nelson-Atkins on Aug. 31. The museum says the works in the exhibition date from the 9th century to the 21st century and come from Islamic cultures across the globe, including contemporary art from international and U.S.-based artists, such as Shirin Neshat, Ahmed Mater, and Rashid Rana. Featured art works include ceramics, textiles, miniature paintings, decorative brass, photographs and video art.
A Pakistani cargo truck made in Kansas City by artist Asheer Akram will be installed outside near the entrance to the Bloch Building.
“Akram, a Pakistani-American educated at the Kansas City Art Institute, is a metal artist known for sculptures that incorporate bold patterns and designs. He was inspired to create the truck after traveling to Pakistan and encountering boldly painted trucks throughout the country. Akram purchased a 1950s Chevy farm truck, and with the help of mechanics and a team of artists from Kansas City and Pakistan, he has transformed the vehicle into a Pakistani-American painted truck, filled with hybrid imagery and decoration,” the Nelson-Atkins says.
Also on exhibit will be a 17th-century Persian mosaic arch acquired by the Nelson-Atkins in 1932 that has not been on display for three decades.
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