Syrian-born Armenian artist Kevork Mourad will discuss how he conceptualizes migration, memory and place-making through his paintings and visual performances. Mourad depicts the Syrian refugee crisis and co-existence in cities like Qameshli, Aleppo and Damascus. He will elucidate how his and his ancestors' memories of the Syrian Civil War and the Armenian genocide inform his representations of upheaval and survival.
An exhibit of Mourad’s work, “Eternal Return,” will be installed at the Spurlock Museum during his visit and will open on April 29th.
Co-Sponorship: Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, Center for South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies, College of Fine & Applied Arts, Department of English, Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities, Program in Comparative & World Literature, Program in Jewish Culture & Society, Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center, School of Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics, School of Music, Spurlock Museum