Sandow Birk, American Qur'an: Sura 36a, 2009
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Sandow Birk, American Qur'an, Sura 36a, 2009. Ink, acrylic, and gouache on paper. © 2009 Sandow Birk. Purchased, the Marie-Louise and Samuel R. Rosenthal Fund.

“Sandow Birk’s American Qur’an" in Faulconer Gallery Jan. 27 - Mar. 18

Public events surrounding Faulconer Gallery’s showing of “Sandow Birk’s American Qur’an” continue in March. The exhibition includes 85 panels of handwritten English translations and handpainted illustrations of the sacred text. Six of the panels in the exhibition are part of Grinnell College’s permanent art collection. The exhibition, organized by The Andy Warhol Museum of Pittsburgh, will be on view through Mar. 18.

The educational programming events, organized by Tilly Woodward, curator of academic and public outreach, provide opportunities “to learn about Islam, everyday American life, cultural differences and commonalities,” Woodward said. All of the events sponsored by Faulconer Gallery are free, open to the public, and located in the gallery unless otherwise noted:

  • Tue., Feb. 28, 4:15 p.m.: Gallery talk by artist Sandow Birk, discussing his ongoing project.
  • Thu., Mar. 1, 4:15 p.m.: Author Michael Muhammad Knight will read from and discuss “The Taqwacores,” about the Islamic punk music scene. Co-sponsored by Writers@Grinnell, the Department of Religious Studies, and the Center for the Humanities.
  • Fri., Mar. 2, 4:15 p.m.: Panel discussion by author Knight, film director Omar Majeed, and musicians from Pakistani-American punk rock band The Kominas, who will talk about evolving Islamic punk culture in the U.S. The Kominas will also give a private concert for Grinnell students at 10 p.m. the same evening.
  • Fri., Mar. 2, 7 p.m.: Screening of “Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk Islam,” followed by a director’s talk. The feature documentary traces the progression of the Muslim Punk scene. Co-sponsored by Cultural Films Committee, Student Government Association Films, Department of Religious Studies, and the Center for the Humanities.  
  • Wed., Mar. 7, 4:15 p.m.: Gallery talk by artist Harrell Fletcher on socially engaged and collaborative interdisciplinary projects. Co-sponsored by the Department of Art and the Center for the Humanities.
  • Thu., Mar. 8, 4:15 p.m.: Workshop led by Fletcher exploring art and social practice. Co-sponsored by the Department of Art and the Center for the Humanities. Bucksbaum Rotunda.
  • Mondays and Thursdays through Mar. 15, 12:15-12:50 p.m.: Yoga with Monica St. Angelo. Co-sponsored by Live Well Grinnell. Mats provided for beginners and experienced practitioners.

 

For more information, see: