The Denison Museum ends 2007 and begins 2008 by opening the lines of cultural communication through three independent exhibitions. The exhibitions, "Dafatir: Contemporary Iraqi Books Arts," "Chris Barnard: The Great Divide" and "Jamshid Bayrami: Contemporary Iranian Photographs," open to the public with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, at the Denison Museum in Burke Hall. The multi-exhibit show, which will continue until Friday, March 7, is free and open to the public every day from 1 to 4 p.m.

Consisting of one group exhibit and two solo exhibits, the exhibition presents a mixed media of collected artists' works, showcasing a common theme of cultural identity and different approaches to communicating multifaceted contemporary issues at an international level.

A group exhibition, "Dafatir" (which translates from Arabic as "notebooks"), explores the idea of Iraq by presenting book-form art currently practiced by contemporary Iraqi artists. Composed of 17 Iraqi artists including one female, three different generations are represented. With high levels of craft, the narrative books highlight themes of cultural identity and contemporary political statements.

Presenting contemporary Iraqi art to American audiences, "Dafatir" defies old cliches. Curated by Nada Shabout of the University of North Texas, the book arts come from the collection of Dia al-Azzawi, an Iraqi artist based in London. The artists in the exhibition, many now living in exile, include: Dia al-Azzawi, Sadiq Kwaish Alfraji, Ammar Dawod, Mohammad Fakher, Ismail Fattah, Ghassan Gha' eb, Nedim Kufi, Hana' Malallah, Moaid Nama, Rafa al-Nasiri, Kareem Rissan, Mahmmud al-Obidi, Ibrahim Rashied, Shakir Hassan Al Said, Mohamed al-Shammarey, Samar Usama, and Nazar Yahya.

A second exhibit features collected works of first-year assistant professor of art at Denison University, Chris Barnard. In his solo exhibition, "Chris Barnard: The Great Divide," the collection of paintings addresses the artist's ongoing engagement in landscapes that incorporate issues of American power, presence and expansion. Both physical and political, these contemporary landscapes manipulate and multiply perspectives, exploring the relationship between how we are positioned and how we view the world, while also wrestling with the divide between form and relevant social content. Chris Barnard holds a bachelor's degree from Yale University and an master's of fine arts from the University of Southern California.

The third exhibit, "Jamshid Bayrami: Contemporary Iranian Photographs," is a solo exhibition of award-winning photographer Jamshid Bayrami. A compilation of educational and inspirational photographs, this collection captures the natural heritage and culture of Iran. An artist and photojournalist, Bayrami has worked with such reputable names as Time Magazine and is a prized winner of multiple international photo celebrations. A world-renowned photographer, his contemporary photographs have exhibited internationally since 1993.

The Denison Museum has a number of events scheduled to accompany the exhibitions. For more information and updated event schedules, visit www.denison.edu/museum. The Denison Museum is dedicated to providing students, faculty and staff of the University, as well as the wider community, with a first-hand cultural experience. An ongoing program of lectures, symposia, visiting artists, gallery tours and other events is available.

- DU -

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- The Denison Museum opens three independent exhibitions: "Dafatir: Contemporary Iraqi Books Arts," "Chris Barnard: The Great Divide" and "Jamshid Bayrami: Contemporary Iranian Photographs." Opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30, Denison Museum in Burke Hall (240 West Broadway). The exhibits continue until Friday, March 7. Hours every day, 1 to 4 p.m. Free and open to the public. Call (740) 587-6255 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575