Patterns of Refuge on Exhibit at Kean University
Patterns of Refuge on Exhibit at Kean University
Artist Leslie Nobler combines genocide and colonization on printed fabrics at Kean’s Nancy Dryfoos Gallery in Union
UNION, N.J. — Kean University is hosting Patterns of Refuge, an exhibition by artist Leslie Nobler, now through Friday, October 27, 2017, in the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery. Using printed fabrics, Nobler explores the connection between genocide, colonization and displacement using present-day Middle Eastern war as an example.
A reception with the artist will be held on Thursday, October 12, from 5-8 p.m., in the gallery, located at Kean’s Nancy Thompson Library in Union.
“In such a special place, a place of learning, we are inviting viewers to be pensive, watchful and considerate about the rights of refugees forcibly displaced, and to perhaps expand their perception in the process of recognizing the tragic subtexts presented in Nobler’s works,” said Neil Tetkowksi, director of the Kean University Galleries.
The iconography featured in her exhibit is derived from Dutch wax prints, originally inexpensive copies of lush Indonesian hand-made textiles, appropriated and mass produced by 19th Century Dutch colonists to sell to native West Africans. Over time, this printed fabric style came to be called “Ankara” and to include Western and Central African visual symbols and themes.
A book artist who specializes in digital printmaking, Nobler has been featured worldwide. Her works have appeared at the Franklin Institute and the International Symposium on Digital Art in Bangkok and London.
Patterns of Refuge by Leslie Nobler
Now through Friday, October 27, 2017
The Nancy Dryfoos Gallery
Nancy Thompson Library
Kean University
1000 Morris Ave. Union, N.J.
Gallery Hours:
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 1–10 p.m.
For more information, visit www.kean.edu/galleries, email galleries@kean.edu or call908-737-0392.
PHOTOS/CAPTIONS:
Patterns of Refuge by Leslie Nobler, on display at Kean University’s Nancy Dryfoos Gallery in Union through Friday, October 27, explores connections between genocide, colonization and displacement using present-day Middle Eastern war as an example.
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY GALLERIES
Kean University Galleries has a rich and diverse exhibition program that highlights cultural issues and are interdisciplinary in nature. These free, public programs are designed to educate and engage gallery visitors through the visual arts. Resulting dialogue further encourages visitors to think, share, question and collaborate. At Kean Galleries, we believe that art is an effective vehicle for building awareness of critical world issues and initiating social change.
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The University’s five undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers four doctoral degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union and Toms River, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Millie Gonzalez
University Relations
Kean University
mgonzale@kean.edu | 908-737-0586
KEAN GALLERIES CONTACT:
Neil Tetkowski
Kean Galleries Director
ntetkows@kean.edu | 908-737-0392