Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar - VCUQ, Doha - Gallery news: VCUQatar Presents Arts and Architecture of the Islamic World Lecture


VCUQatar Presents Arts and Architecture of the Islamic World Lecture (20.3.2008)

		Doha, Qatar, VCUQatar presents the second of its 2007/2008 public lectures on the Arts and Architecture of the Islamic World. The lecture will be presnted by Professor Priscilla Soucek Deputy Director and James R. McCredie Professor of the Islamic Art Institute of Fine Arts New York University, New York. The lecture which is open to the public will take place in the VCUQatar Atrium on Sunday March 16 2008 at 7:30 PM. Entitled 'Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection' Professor Soucek's lecture will focus on objects from the Khalili Collection, currently on exhibition at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi until April 22. The exhibition is an encyclopedic overview of Islamic Art from the beginning of the Islamic era to the 19th century, it gives testimony to the extraordinary range and quality of Islamic craftsmen and artists, but also to the vision of the collector Nasser David Khalili. Professor Soucek will provide a cultural and historical context or framework in order to provide an understanding of the key objects being exhibited. Her lecture will focus on themes which exemplify that dynamic character of artistic practices where ever Islam has been practiced. "We are very excited that Professor Soucek, one of the most eminent professors of Islamic Art world wide, has accepted our invitation. Her significant scholarly background will surely present the works of the 'Khalili Collection' in a new light." noted Dr. Jochen Sokoly, Gallery Director and Assistant Professor. Priscilla P. Soucek is the James R. McCredie Professor of Islamic Art at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University where she also serves as Deputy Director. She has made the artistic and literary culture of Iran the focus of her research and writing. Her publications have discussed a range of topics and periods from early Islamic seals to Qajar coins, but many focus on the arts of the book. She is currently writing a monograph on regionalism in Iranian art. For further information, call VCUQatar on +974.492.7200, or email Dr. Jochen Sokoly, Gallery Director and Assistant Professor in Art History at jsokoly@qatar.vcu.edu. About VCUQatar: VCUQatar offers specialized programs in various design professions. Students have the opportunity of earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic, fashion and interior design. A team of highly qualified professors provide rigorous curricula that prepare students to assume leadership roles in the professional field of their choice. VCUQatar regularly organizes and hosts exhibitions, gallery events, world-class design conferences, and holds an annual fashion show. VCUQatar is supported and funded by the Qatar Foundation. For more information please visit www.qatar.vcu.edu or call 0974 492- 7238. About Qatar Foundation: Qatar Foundation for Education houses VCUQatar; The Foundation is a unique concept which has revolutionized education in the State of Qatar. It is a non-profit founded in 1995 by the Emir and Head of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khlaifa Al-Thani. The vision of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation indicates the keenness of Qatar's leadership in encouraging education. The Qatar Foundation has altogether changed the face of the education sector in the State of Qatar with first-class educational programs and organizations. For more information, please visit www.qf.org.qa. Contact Person: Shefa Ali Phone: 0974 492 7807 Fax: 0974 481 7058 Email: snada@qatar.vcu.edu Web: www.qatar.vcu.edu