Magic Squares: The Patterned Imagination of Muslim Africa in Contemporary Culture
Exhibition Sponsors
The Anne Angus
Contemporary Program Fund
Program Partners:
| Date | May 18, 2011 - Nov 20, 2011 |
|---|---|
| Artists | Jamelie Hassan, Hamid Kachmar, Alia Toor and Tim Whiten |
| Curated by | Patricia Bentley |
Exhibition Overview
Four contemporary artists explore the relationship of patterns, communication and spirit in conversation with textiles and symbols from the Museum’s permanent collection of Islamic African artifacts. Magic squares, known all over the world as mathematical games like Sudoku and Kenken, become carriers of powerful and diverse cultural meanings when they are painted, woven or embroidered on textiles in Muslim Africa.
Related Programs and Events
Artist Panel: Magic Squares:
The Patterned Imagination of Muslim Africa in Contemporary Culture
Friday May 20, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Join artists Jamelie Hasssan, Tim Whiten, Alia Toor and Hamid Kachmar
for a discussion of the intersections between their work and the richly
diverse patterned imagination of Muslim Africa. Co-produced with Subtle
Technologies and the Institute for Ismaili Studies.
Members and Full-time students $20, Non-members $25. To purchase
tickets please visit magicsquares.eventbrite.com.
Curator's Tour: Magic Squares through
All
the
Senses
Wednesday June 15, 6:30 pm
Join Patricia Bentley for a tour of Magic
Squares:
The
Patterned
Imagination
of
Muslim
Africa in Contemporary
Culture, experiencing the exhibition through sound, touch, and
smell as well as sight.
Free with admission.
2-Day Workshop: Silk Screen Geometric Patterns with Sharon
Epstein
Saturday July 23 and Sunday July 24, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join local artist Sharon Epstein for an exploration of creating
geometric patterns using silk screen techniques. Participants will
visit the exhibitions Silk Oasis on
the Silk Road: Bukhara and Magic
Squares:
The
Patterned
Imagination
of
Muslim
Africa
in
Contemporary
Culture for inspiration for their designs, and do extensive
hands-on work in the studio. Co-presented with the Contemporary Textile
Studio Co-op.
Members $120, Non-members $144, Full-time students $80. Materials
$35. Advance registration is required, class size is limited. To
register, call 416-599-5321 x2228.
Lecture: Magic, Perfume, Art...with Jim Drobnick
Wednesday September 21, 6:30 pm
Join Jim Drobnick, Associate Professor of Contemporary Art and Theory
at the Ontario College of Art & Design University, as he addresses
the growing phenomenon of smell in contemporary art, with a special
focus on the artists in Magic
Squares who employ scents for healing, spiritual pursuits and
cultural identity.
Free for TMC Members and Full-time students, Non-members $15.
Advance tickets may be purchased at the TMC's front desk. Please arrive
early, seating is limited.
Curator's Tour: Magic Squares through
All
the
Senses
Wednesday October 12, 6:30 pm
Join us in the galleries for a tour of Magic
Squares:
The
Patterned
Imagination
of
Muslim Africa in Contemporary
Culture, experiencing the exhibition through sound, touch, and
smell as well as sight.
Free with admission.
