“We the People”

The election is over, but the issues remain, including immigration, which was much ignored during the campaign. But it, and the racial tensions accompanying it, are still very much on the collective mind, as seen in “We the People,” a new exhibition displaying the photography, multi-media and video work of three local artists. Orlando Lara and Delilah Montoya focus on the desire of Hispanic immigrants to get to America, a desire that overshadows the dangers of crossing. Lara’s work includes a video called Elizabeth’s Story, filmed and narrated from a migrant’s perspective as she crosses the Arizona desert. Montoya’s photography features shots of desert migrant trails. The third artist, the Iran-born Soody Sharifi, uses the imagery of the U.S. flag to explore how young American Muslims see themselves within the framework of American culture — before and after 9/11.

On November 16 at 4 p.m., four nationally recognized authors give voice to the exhibit in “We the People: Writers from Iran, Palestine and Pakistan.” The reading features Sehba Sarwar, Bapsi Sidhwa, Fady Joudah and Farnoosh Moshiri and adds yet another layer to the multimedia exhibit.

Regular viewing hours for the exhibit are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Through December 27. Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose. For information, call 713-523-9530 or visit www.artleaguehouston.org. Free.
Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Oct. 31. Continues through Dec. 27, 2008