“Art and Conflict in Central Asia” is a beautiful but rare exhibit. After touring Italy, this compilation of modern cultural art has made a one-time stop in the United States at Marquette University’s very own Haggarty Museum of Art.Organized by the Soros Center for Continuing Arts, as well as international curator Enrico Mascelloni, this exhibit is a great honor for Marquette. Touching on topics such as war, politics and religion, the Milwaukee community has been quite receptive to this exhibit.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the “stans” of Europe were created, which include Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Using the contemporary work of 13 artists, the exhibit is able to capture the violence and conflict that still exist between these neighboring countries.
The central themes of the art are expressed through video, photography and video stills. In the case of the sculpture “Monument to a Hero,” a pair of cut off horse hooves is used to represent the epidemic of state monuments being destroyed in response to the independence of Kazakhstan. In another piece entitled, “My Brother the Enemy,” two men are depicted facing each other with pistols in their mouths. These graphic and uniquely modern works emphasize the continuing violence and aggression in this area. The exhibit also focuses on the roles of women, war and dervishes, or Sufi Muslim ascetic religious fraternities.
“This exhibit shows interesting art that works well with many classes at Marquette,” said Lynne Shumow, Haggarty’s Curator of Education.
So far, broadcasting classes at Marquette have taken advantage of this opportunity, filming interviews with Mascelloni and creating a Web Site with the footage. With a grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services, Haggarty is also working with the Marquette School of Education to teach future teachers how to integrate art into classes.
In addition to Marquette students, Haggarty is working with the Milwaukee Public School System and the Milwaukee Art Board.
“[This exhibit] definitely works well with what we’re trying to do here,” said Shumow. Aside from students, other organizations have come to learn and reflect about this exhibit. On Nov. 6, the Jewish Community Center began a three-part program about Asia culture. On Nov. 14, Dr. Uli Schamiloglu will be giving a talk about the exhibit concerning popular religion and Islam in Central Asia. Schamiloglu, a faculty member at University of Wisconsin-Madison, is an author and professor of languages.
Overall, “Art and Conflicts of Central Asia” is a rare window of opportunity to see the world around us with the ease of walking behind Johnston Hall.
“Art and Conflicts in Central Asia” is showing at the Haggarty Museum of Art through Jan. 21.
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