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Join Indian-born, New York-based artist Siona Benjamin! Artist presentation and Film screening.
Siona Benjamin creates a unique visual language that presents her transcultural, transnational view of the world.
Discover the incredible story and inspiration behind Siona Benjamin’s artwork which interweaves diverse influences that include Indian/Persian miniatures, Byzantine icons and Jewish illuminated manuscripts. She blends these ancient forms with pop cultural elements to create a unique visual vocabulary. Her work raises questions about what and where is “home”, while evoking issues such as identity, immigration, motherhood, and the role of art in social change.
Growing up in a predominantly Hindu and Muslim society, educated in Catholic and Zoroastrian schools, raised Jewish in India and now living in the U.S., Siona has always been driven to reflect upon the cultural boundary zones in which she have lived. With this background in a multicultural America, she is compelled to create art that speaks of shared similarities with her audience. Siona’s intent for her viewers is to reevaluate their notions and concepts about identity and race, hoping to peel back layers of misconceptions that may result in racism, hate and war.
Very often she looks down at her skin and it feels as if it has turned blue. It tends to do that when she face certain situations, such as when people stereotype or categorize others who are unlike themselves. She has therefore over the years developed these varied blue-skinned characters as self-portraits in assuming multiple roles and forms. She employs them as social and cultural agents in raising provocative issues about identity in a trans-cultural world.
ART EXHIBIT DATES:
October 3rd, 2017-January 5th, 2018
ADMISSION INFO
$7 - JCC Members
$10 - Public
Free - Kids 17 & under
Phone: 415.444.8090
Website: http://marinjcc.org/siona
Additional time info:
5:00-5:45 pm Informal meet and greet with the artist, Indian food for purchase by Taj of Marin (first come first served)
6:00 pm Artist Presentation & Film Screening
LOCATION
PARKING INFO
Directions
From Highway 101 in San Rafael, take the North San Pedro exit and head east. The Osher Marin JCC, at 200 N. San Pedro Road, is on the right-hand side, half a mile from the freeway exit.
Free Parking
* The Osher Marin Jewish Community Center's parking lot is located directly in front of the building with parking spaces for disabled patrons available.
* Additional parking is available at the JCC Annex lot, located at 210 N. San Pedro Road (just east of the main campus). In the event of multiple programs, or heavily attended events, overflow vehicles may be directed to available street parking or on adjacent properties.
* Evenings and weekends only: There is additional parking across the street at Venetia Valley School.