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occasion was the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the
founding of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, the 10th Anniversary
of the establishment of the Foundation's art gallery and the
opening reception of the Tenth Anniversary Exhibition of Contemporary
Arab Artists. The creation of Darat Al Funun by the Foundation
bespeaks the unique vision of Mrs. Suha Shoman. This vision,
now a reality, showcases the arts, encourages artists and
serves as an educational resource for the community.
The concept
of Darat Al Funun reaches far beyond the display of art works.
It encompasses teaching, workshops, a reference and video
library, Internet services, a lecture series, films, gallery
walks, publications and given its extensive grounds, performing
arts programs of theater, dance and music. It has become an
Art Centre in the full context of the word; one with international
participation and influence.
And just in case one doubted
the full extent of the multi-dimensional activities which
have been presented since 1993, the entire central hall of
the lower gallery complex graphically portrays the presentations
in chronological order. The wall panels, with their didactic
material, are works of art themselves. Also included in the
room is an absorbing video which expands the historical presentation
and features selected art works from Darat al Funun's stable
of Arab artists. What is not graphically spelled out in the
historical presentation is the methodology, the effectiveness
and the essence of their programs. Allow me to pontificate
for a moment, for that is what musicologists and museum directors
do.
What is the main purpose of
an art centre or a museum? To collect? It used to be; but
not so, anymore. It is to enlighten, to educate, and to entertain.
Enlighten? Yes, through the vision of the artist we can be
uplifted, we can see unity, feel peace, explore the human
universe. Educate? Definitely. Our lives become richer, more
fulfilled when we can visually see our past, and contemplate
our future. Entertain? That is a difficult mandate, and possibly
a misunderstood one.
Think of the sheer pleasure
of sensing vibrant color, the timelessness and comfort of
good design, the happiness in a fine portrait. Learning, we
know, is easier when the subject is both relevant and made
fun. Take my three criteria with you on your visit to Darat
Al Funun's Tenth Anniversary Exhibit. There is a sense of
awe, of enlightenment, upon entry into the campus. The visitor
is enveloped in the architectural and landscape environment.
Channeled by well designed walk and stairways, past sculptural
installations, to the galleries.
Enlightenment awaits in unexpected
corners, even at dead ends. Contemplate the vast, textured
universe of Mohammad Qaitouqa's painting; be drawn into its
mysterious depths and face yourself. Education comes in many
forms. Walk on the grounds amidst ancient ruins and connect
with inner resources, spirituality and the wisdom of the ages,
for within this complex exists not only the story of contemporary
lives, careers, talents, aspirations, but also the story of
the past. Juxtaposed in that historic setting are environmental,
site-specific sculptures.
Near the lower entrance, confront
Samia Taktak Zaru's work and contemplate its form and message.
Entertain yourself. Let the pleasure and excitement of color
envelop you as you gaze at Nabil Shehadeh's compositions inside
the galleries. Allow yourself to smile at the fantastic world
of Riham Bishara Ghassib. There is much to feel and see and
experience in this exhibition.
The experience at the House
of the Arts should not be missed. And what better time to
go than during this Anniversary Exhibit which will be on view
through January 28, 1999. Seventy-four artists are represented
from Jordan, Sudan, Palestine, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon,
Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt with works in sculpture,
painting, graphics, ceramics and drawing. Jordan has the largest
number of participants; nine of the 26 artists are women.
Many of the works are for sale.
According to the Director,
Ali Maher, Darat Al Funun's mission is to "Nurture the visual
arts in the Arab world by making works of Arab artists available
to a wider audience. " Darat Al Funun offers a unique experience
here in Jordan, one obviously honed from judicious study and
appreciation of major art centres worldwide but it adds its
own purpose and focus to these models, making it an education.
historical, architectural and aesthetic entity with the powerful
potential to promote Jordan's cultural heritage.
The writer is an art museum
director and curator who is presently in Jordan as a Fulbright
Senior Scholar researching women and museums in the Middle
East.
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