THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 22, 1995 TAG: 9501200254
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY IDA KAY JORDAN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
``Eight Paths to a Journey: Cultural Identity and the Immigration Experience,'' an art exhibit now touring under the auspices of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, opens Thursday at the 1846 Courthouse Gallery.
The exhibit features the work of eight immigrant artists who examine their personal experiences as well as those of family and friends.
The artists are Pacita Abad of Washington and M.E. Fuentes of Orange, Calif., both natives of the Philippines; Mansoora Hassan, a Bethesda, Md., artist originally from Pakistan; Christine Graham of Germany, who now lives in Highland, Md.; Gregory Henry of Hampton, a native of Guyana; Maria Karametou of Bethesda, originally of Athens, Greece; Takako Nagai of Arlington, formerly of Japan; and Rossella Matamoros of Costa Rica.
Matamoros is recognized as one of Costa Rica's foremost painters, said Mel Watkin, exhibit curator.
``Her work reflects her experiences as a Latin American woman and as an American immigrant,'' Watkin said. ``It alludes to her childhood, her family and friends and her personal ambitions.''
Hassan combines bold brush strokes with photo-etchings on wood, depicting heroic statues in Washington as well as Islamic arches.
Watkin said there is nostalgia for the past and strong issues of cultural affinity and roots depicted in the work.
A video installation in the show, ``Brief'' by Graham, deals directly with the issue of separating mother and daughter through immigration. Somewhat autobiographical, it recalls the struggles of women in Berlin during World War II.
The exhibit was commissioned by the Arlington County Cultural Affairs Division and presented at the Ellipse Arts Center in 1991. It was re-assembled for a statewide tour to Virginia Museum affiliates. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
When: The opening reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.
Thursday. The exhibit will be on display through March 12.
Where: Portsmouth's 1846 Gallery, 420 High St., is open from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays.
Cost: A $3 donation is requested of non-museum members.
For information: 393-8983
by CNB