From Baltimore to Jerusalem and Back Date: April 17, 2007
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Place: Fourth Floor Programming Room
Andrew White Student Center As part of its commitment to the Year of the City, Loyola’s department of Modern Languages and Literatures is hosting a multi-genre presentation of art, music and literature that features the work of two local creators, writer Kim Jensen and artist Zahi Khamis. “From Baltimore to Jerusalem and Back” focuses primarily upon the richness of Palestinian culture. Kim Jensen, a Baltimore resident and Assistant Professor of English at the Community College of Baltimore County, will read from her 2006 novel, The Woman I Left Behind. This well-received novel is a story of a turbulent love affair between a young American woman and a Palestinian refugee. Set in Southern CA during the Gulf War with flashbacks in Jerusalem and Beirut, this novel excavates the political and the personal dilemmas of cross-cultural love. The prize winning author will also read from her poetry.  |
Zahi Khamis, a native of the village of Reineh outside of Nazareth and émigré to Europe and then to the U.S., will present his art in PowerPoint as well as some originals on easels. Khamis’ works have appeared in several solo and group exhibits, including shows at the UN, the Palestine Center (Washington D.C.), the Carnegie Institute for Peace, and the U.S. Congress. Influenced by Picasso, Matisse and the Mexican muralists, his work is part of the long tradition of committed art. His optimistic colors combine with tragic expressions of his subjects to express the contradictions of all who struggle for liberation. Jensen’s poetic, intelligent and witty novel, and Khamis’ striking and fascinating paintings, along with their brilliant, clear and sometimes provocative discussions about our cultures, will be a delightful experience. Together, their explorations—and the discussion that follows—offer a unique opportunity to learn about our own city as well as Jerusalem from a different perspective. At the same time, they invite us to open our awareness about Palestine, one of the areas so crucial for peace in the Middle East. The evening also features an opportunity to sample Middle Eastern culinary delights. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Marie Murphy (Modern Languages and Literatures) via e-mail or by calling (410) 617-2511. |
