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Veils

October 19 - November 24, 2002

Local Artist to Showcase Multimedia Installation Entitled Veils at the Dam, Stuhltrager Gallery BROOKLYN, NY

The Islamic Veil is the subject of Kasra PaydavousiÕs current installation at the Dam, Stuhltrager Gallery in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. Veils will run until November 24, 2002 and examines the most provocative image of Islam in the West. The exhibit is open to the public and free of charge. Dam, Stuhltrager Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Veils consists of two monumental-sized veiled sculptures (seven and eight feet tall respectively) accompanied by several photographs presenting these figures as they were displayed at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park during the summer of 2002 (and dubbed ÒGhostly DrapedÓ figures by the New Yorker). The imposing presence of these figures reminds the viewer of the ominous power of a faith in shaping a culture.

Also displayed in the gallery windows are two smaller veiled figures. Rather than stand on their own, they hang from the ceiling and hover a few inches off the window sills. Other works include Four small groups of sand covered boards with veiled figures measure four to five inches in height.

The exhibit also includes a continuous video performance of a womanÕs struggle and ultimate rejection of the ÒVeil.Ó During the showÕs opening on October 26, a live performance of this piece was accompanied by live Sufi drumming.

Mr. Paydavousi is an Iranian-born artist who now lives in Brooklyn, NY. He draws heavily from his childhood experiences both in Iran and the United States in an effort to humanize the internal conflict between individual rights and societyÕs demands in the Islamic world--a struggle that is being increasingly played out before a world audience.

Mr. Paydavousi received his BachelorÕs degree from Columbia University and his Master of Fine Arts degree from the New York Academy of Art. His works have been exhibited both locally and nationally. His sculpture Ascension is a permanent outdoor installation at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Veils is his first ÒsoloÓ effort in New York City.