Allegories of Flight

Presented in conjunction with Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again, Allegories of Flight explores Neshat’s influences, including artists and filmmakers whose works embody “poetic, philosophical, and highly politically charged narratives and visual style.” Highlighting the importance of poetry in Persian culture and how it provides the inspiration for much of Neshat’s work, renowned poets Natalie Diaz and Naomi Shihab Nye read their poems; musical duo Saint Abdullah weaved sampled music and voices in various languages and from countries across the Middle East into original compositions reflecting on current events; Davia Spain performed deeply personal music and vocals touching on her trans experience and institutions and systems designed to suppress ancient, ancestral knowledge; Black Lives Matters co-founder Patrisse Cullors debuted a commissioned performance that addressed the concept of “allegories of flight” through the lenses of social justice and jail reform, mental health and addiction, and the blood bonds of family.

Co-organized with Louise Steinman and Maureen Moore.