Unlikely Places
SYRA Arts often explores and challenges pre-conceived notions. In hopes of testing all predetermined perceptions, we shall be spotlighting artists from the MENA region who are currently living in the United States and aim to engage in discussions on creativity of expression and how it is affected by gender, race, religion, creed and politics. Throughout 2019, a series of exhibitions will be held at the gallery in Georgetown. These exhibitions will focus on three women artists who have left their home countries and settled in the United States with their families. “Unlikely Places” by Lina Alattar is the first of these exciting exhibitions.
About the artist
Lina Alattar is a Northern Virginia-based artist. She received her BFA from Middle Tennessee State University, after which, she pursued higher art education in Gubio, Italy and The George Washington University. Lina is a grant recipient from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities in 2017 and 2016. She has held numerous solo and group exhibitions in the D.C. metro area, New York City, London and Italy. Notable exhibitions include Martha Spak Gallery at the Wharf, The United States Institute of Peace, Hillyer Art Space, McLean Project for the Arts, Greater Reston Arts Center, Tennessee State Museum, The DC Convention Center, and the George Mason University.
Lina’s work has been featured in American Lifestyle Magazine, The Washington Post, Northern Virginia Magazine, The Huffington Post, and Elan Magazine. Currently, she is a full-time painter, living and working in Fairfax, VA.
Artist Statement
The quiet earthy tones of my pallet speak for themselves, tracing us back to our primordial origins, to the transient nature that lies in each and every one of us. Having lived on three continents by the age of 12, my worldly view has granted me a passport to transcend geographic notions, revealing an intimate relationship between identity and belonging. Much like a prism lens, the places I have lived are reflected in my work, revealing a deeper truth into oneness. My painting process comes from this place, pushing beyond boundaries that define, yet limit, construct yet pull apart our sense of who we are. Using abstraction as a creative freedom and the primary source of exploration, each piece deflects past assumptions while forging new and undiscovered trajectories. Applying acrylic, ink and spray paint, these techniques yield to an openness, and an organic beauty that is beyond perception.
SYRA Arts
Based in Washington DC and Cairo, SYRA Arts is a contemporary art gallery dedicated to presenting Middle Eastern and Iranian artists and designers. The gallery presents a dynamic program of exhibitions that introduces artists from different traditional spheres around the globe in order to facilitate a process of cultural exchange, thereby raising awareness and understanding between the varied peoples and nations.
1054 31st Street NW, Canal Square, Georgetown, Washington DC 20007
For more info, please contact:
Sylvia V Ragheb T: +1.703.944.3824 E: sylvia@syra-arts.com