MFA exhibitions invariably�must encompass�a vast range of disparate material, and it�s a stiff challenge for a�guest curator to create a unified show�that frames a�cohesive�experience for the viewer. This year, the RISD MFA Painting Program invited�Hrag Vartanian, the talented editor and co-publisher of Hyperallergic,�to curate the�MFA exhibition for its�painting students. Vartanian decided to view�the work through the lens�of��home,� a notion that he feels has gained�powerful symbolic value during�a tumultuous and uncertain�period for the nation and the world.
“These artists, like most in this exhibition, avoid clear narratives in favor of poetic moments of discovery and exploration,� writes Vartanian, who spent part of his childhood in the now war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo.�”While many have an inward looking preoccupation with home, others are clearly looking to global power structures and their impact on people�s sense of security and safety.�
“RISD MFA Painting,� curated by Hrag Vartanian. Morgan Lehman, Chelsea, New York, NY. Through August 18, 2017.�Artists include�Marisa Adesman, Christian Berman, Sanie Bokhari, Ada Goldfeld, Molly Kaderka, Arghavan Khosravi, Rebecca Levitan, Saif Mhaisen, Gina Palacios, Ohad Sarfaty.
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Don’t disagree with Hrag on his Hyperallergic site or he will banish you from the site. Not a pleasant person. And, sad to say, controls and squelches communication that doesn’t align with his agenda. Ironic for someone who seemingly espouses openness and freedom. You won’t hear this on his site as he has extinguished these voices. Very sad he has any position of influence.