Beyond Bridges

Beyond Bridges was a peacebuilding exhibition featuring 21 Arab, Persian and Jewish artists of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith backgrounds focusing on what they hold in common through their cultures and creeds. With the widening divide that exists between the faiths and peoples of the Middle East and the West, this exhibition calls for a whole new kind of movement: one that builds on what we hold in common.

It is more critical than ever that “creative bridges of dialogue” be built enabling us to walk across to meet our neighbor on the other side. As the early 20th century Lebanese artist and writer Kahlil Gibran, who profoundly bridged East and West, said; “Your neighbor is your other self dwelling behind a wall. In understanding, all walls shall fall down.”

Beyond Bridges toured throughout the United States between 2016-2018.

The 21 participating artists through Beyond Bridges made the case for using that which we have in common as the foundation for the future of our world. The ultimate objective of the exhibition was to serve as an “encounter point,” encouraging and enabling new relationships to be made across religions and cultures.

Each artist in Beyond Bridges contributed an original work of art on canvas, wood or paper that is approximately 31.5’ x 24 inches in size and hangs either vertically or horizontally. Also, each artwork included a plaque with that respective artist’s statement about their piece.

The 21 artists represented in Beyond Bridges covered a geographic area of 11 countries, with the majority coming from the Middle East, and from the three primary monotheistic faith backgrounds (Islam, Christianity and Judaism). Participating artists include women and men, from premier contemporary artists to emerging younger artists, and artists that use a variety of artistic mediums.

Azadeh Ghotbi, Crossroads

2015 80x60 cm Acrylic on canvas

Beyond Bridges

Artists