Traveling Exhibit 'Poetic Voices of the Muslim World​' Debuts on Lower East Side

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — The popular traveling exhibition "Poetic Voices of the Muslim World" debuted on the Lower East Side last week. This exhibition explores how poetry impacts the lives of Muslim men and women around the world, and will be on display at City Lore Gallery at 56 E 1st St. from Dec. 15 to April 9.

“Poetry is the most beloved art form throughout the Muslim world,” said Lee Briccetti, Poets House Executive Director. “Poetry is at the heart of many Islamic cultures and holds a key to these cultures. In fact, poetry is woven into the very fabric of Islamic identity. This exhibition and its accompanying programs turn to that art form to explore the history and social fabric of a variety of Muslim societies.”

Over 300,000 public library visitors in 11 different cities across the country have visited the exhibition since it's opening in 2013. The national poetry library and literary center Poets House and City Lore developed the exhibition, and Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) designed it.

The presentation features photography, the work of poets such as Rumi and Adonis, and large visual elements on nine printed panels to highlight poetic traditions from four major language areas—Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Urdu.

City Lore will also showcase works by the late artist, designer and educator Samina Quraeshi from Pakistan. Aditionally, artwork inspired by Islamic poetry and created by K-12 students will be on display in the "A Reverence for Words Institute: Understanding Muslim Cultures through the Arts" exhibit.

“In the same way that American movies and popular culture have created pathways to understanding the U.S. for those abroad, we can find insight into these varied cultures through the poetries of the Muslim world,” said Steve Zeitlin, the Founding Director of City Lore. “These programs provide new ways for Americans to engage with the Muslim world through the interpretation of poetry as they explore what poetry tells us about the history, social fabric and world views of a variety of Muslim societies.”

Check out "Poetic Voices of the Muslim World" at City Lore Gallery Dec. 15 to April 9 (except for Dec. 24 to Jan. 5.) The gallery is open 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, 12-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and by appointment. To schedule a visit outside of regular gallery hours, email Liz at liz@citylore.org.

Photo credit: City Lore Gallery