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UID:10000028-1784282400-1784304000@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:The Art of Listening Summer Intensive
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Stefon Harris\, Alicia Olatuja\, & the Harmony Lab at Express Newark \n4th Floor of Express Newark \nJuly 13th–17th\, 2026 \n10AM–4PM \n  \nWe are extremely excited to offer this week-long ear training\, theory\, vocal\, and improvisation intensive free of charge as a service to our wonderful community of artists\, educators\, and students. \nThis workshop is an intensive for musicians looking to deepen their listening skills and all-around artistry. Participants will work directly with Stefon Harris utilizing his revolutionary app\, Harmony Cloud\, to learn his unique Melodic Progression Ear Training and Theory System. Vocalists will work with Alicia Olatuja following her vocal authenticity training through vocal mastery techniques and mindset mentorship for singers and non-singers alike. Together we will take a deep dive into the world of organized sound and increase our ability to be articulate and empathetic musicians. \nApplication Due on Monday\, May 18th \nTo apply\, you will complete a short questionnaire and submit a recording of yourself performing: Application Link. Applications are due Monday\, May 18th\, and applicants will be notified of their status shortly after. \nApplicants must be 18 years of age or older. Musicians of all levels and musical backgrounds are welcome—we encourage you to apply and share with others who may be interested. Due to limited space\, participants will be selected based on the applications received. \nTestimonials\n“Beautiful\, incredible – thank you so much for this opportunity.” – I.K. \n“It was such an invaluable experience! I feel so lucky to have participated in this\, and being around this group of musicians reminded me why I’m on this journey in the first place!” – A.C. \n“Stefon is a master artist and teacher. Stefon shared decades of his melodic and harmonic knowledge and research and was very effective in teaching his methods across a range of instruments and levels. Furthermore\, I enjoyed and appreciated discussion of the spiritual\, humanistic\, cultural\, and historical context of the music as well. This was one of the best workshops I have ever been a part of.” – T.Z. \nContact Us\nFor any questions\, email us at harmony.lab@rutgers.edu.
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/the-art-of-listening-summer-intensive-5/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Event,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260716T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260716T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T011927Z
CREATED:20260415T011927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T011927Z
UID:10000027-1784196000-1784217600@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:The Art of Listening Summer Intensive
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Stefon Harris\, Alicia Olatuja\, & the Harmony Lab at Express Newark \n4th Floor of Express Newark \nJuly 13th–17th\, 2026 \n10AM–4PM \n  \nWe are extremely excited to offer this week-long ear training\, theory\, vocal\, and improvisation intensive free of charge as a service to our wonderful community of artists\, educators\, and students. \nThis workshop is an intensive for musicians looking to deepen their listening skills and all-around artistry. Participants will work directly with Stefon Harris utilizing his revolutionary app\, Harmony Cloud\, to learn his unique Melodic Progression Ear Training and Theory System. Vocalists will work with Alicia Olatuja following her vocal authenticity training through vocal mastery techniques and mindset mentorship for singers and non-singers alike. Together we will take a deep dive into the world of organized sound and increase our ability to be articulate and empathetic musicians. \nApplication Due on Monday\, May 18th \nTo apply\, you will complete a short questionnaire and submit a recording of yourself performing: Application Link. Applications are due Monday\, May 18th\, and applicants will be notified of their status shortly after. \nApplicants must be 18 years of age or older. Musicians of all levels and musical backgrounds are welcome—we encourage you to apply and share with others who may be interested. Due to limited space\, participants will be selected based on the applications received. \nTestimonials\n“Beautiful\, incredible – thank you so much for this opportunity.” – I.K. \n“It was such an invaluable experience! I feel so lucky to have participated in this\, and being around this group of musicians reminded me why I’m on this journey in the first place!” – A.C. \n“Stefon is a master artist and teacher. Stefon shared decades of his melodic and harmonic knowledge and research and was very effective in teaching his methods across a range of instruments and levels. Furthermore\, I enjoyed and appreciated discussion of the spiritual\, humanistic\, cultural\, and historical context of the music as well. This was one of the best workshops I have ever been a part of.” – T.Z. \nContact Us\nFor any questions\, email us at harmony.lab@rutgers.edu.
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/the-art-of-listening-summer-intensive-4/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Event,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260715T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260715T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T011752Z
CREATED:20260415T011715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T011752Z
UID:10000026-1784109600-1784131200@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:The Art of Listening Summer Intensive
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Stefon Harris\, Alicia Olatuja\, & the Harmony Lab at Express Newark \n4th Floor of Express Newark \nJuly 13th–17th\, 2026 \n10AM–4PM \n  \nWe are extremely excited to offer this week-long ear training\, theory\, vocal\, and improvisation intensive free of charge as a service to our wonderful community of artists\, educators\, and students. \nThis workshop is an intensive for musicians looking to deepen their listening skills and all-around artistry. Participants will work directly with Stefon Harris utilizing his revolutionary app\, Harmony Cloud\, to learn his unique Melodic Progression Ear Training and Theory System. Vocalists will work with Alicia Olatuja following her vocal authenticity training through vocal mastery techniques and mindset mentorship for singers and non-singers alike. Together we will take a deep dive into the world of organized sound and increase our ability to be articulate and empathetic musicians. \nApplication Due on Monday\, May 18th \nTo apply\, you will complete a short questionnaire and submit a recording of yourself performing: Application Link. Applications are due Monday\, May 18th\, and applicants will be notified of their status shortly after. \nApplicants must be 18 years of age or older. Musicians of all levels and musical backgrounds are welcome—we encourage you to apply and share with others who may be interested. Due to limited space\, participants will be selected based on the applications received. \nTestimonials\n“Beautiful\, incredible – thank you so much for this opportunity.” – I.K. \n“It was such an invaluable experience! I feel so lucky to have participated in this\, and being around this group of musicians reminded me why I’m on this journey in the first place!” – A.C. \n“Stefon is a master artist and teacher. Stefon shared decades of his melodic and harmonic knowledge and research and was very effective in teaching his methods across a range of instruments and levels. Furthermore\, I enjoyed and appreciated discussion of the spiritual\, humanistic\, cultural\, and historical context of the music as well. This was one of the best workshops I have ever been a part of.” – T.Z. \nContact Us\nFor any questions\, email us at harmony.lab@rutgers.edu.
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/the-art-of-listening-summer-intensive-3/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Event,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260714T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260714T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T011520Z
CREATED:20260415T011520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T011520Z
UID:10000025-1784023200-1784044800@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:The Art of Listening Summer Intensive
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Stefon Harris\, Alicia Olatuja\, & the Harmony Lab at Express Newark \n4th Floor of Express Newark \nJuly 13th–17th\, 2026 \n10AM–4PM \n  \nWe are extremely excited to offer this week-long ear training\, theory\, vocal\, and improvisation intensive free of charge as a service to our wonderful community of artists\, educators\, and students. \nThis workshop is an intensive for musicians looking to deepen their listening skills and all-around artistry. Participants will work directly with Stefon Harris utilizing his revolutionary app\, Harmony Cloud\, to learn his unique Melodic Progression Ear Training and Theory System. Vocalists will work with Alicia Olatuja following her vocal authenticity training through vocal mastery techniques and mindset mentorship for singers and non-singers alike. Together we will take a deep dive into the world of organized sound and increase our ability to be articulate and empathetic musicians. \nApplication Due on Monday\, May 18th \nTo apply\, you will complete a short questionnaire and submit a recording of yourself performing: Application Link. Applications are due Monday\, May 18th\, and applicants will be notified of their status shortly after. \nApplicants must be 18 years of age or older. Musicians of all levels and musical backgrounds are welcome—we encourage you to apply and share with others who may be interested. Due to limited space\, participants will be selected based on the applications received. \nTestimonials\n“Beautiful\, incredible – thank you so much for this opportunity.” – I.K. \n“It was such an invaluable experience! I feel so lucky to have participated in this\, and being around this group of musicians reminded me why I’m on this journey in the first place!” – A.C. \n“Stefon is a master artist and teacher. Stefon shared decades of his melodic and harmonic knowledge and research and was very effective in teaching his methods across a range of instruments and levels. Furthermore\, I enjoyed and appreciated discussion of the spiritual\, humanistic\, cultural\, and historical context of the music as well. This was one of the best workshops I have ever been a part of.” – T.Z. \nContact Us\nFor any questions\, email us at harmony.lab@rutgers.edu.
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/the-art-of-listening-summer-intensive-2/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Event,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260713T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260713T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T123740Z
CREATED:20260414T183858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T123740Z
UID:10000024-1783936800-1783958400@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:The Art of Listening Summer Intensive
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Stefon Harris\, Alicia Olatuja\, & the Harmony Lab at Express Newark \n4th Floor of Express Newark \nJuly 13th–17th\, 2026 \n10AM–4PM \n  \nWe are extremely excited to offer this week-long ear training\, theory\, vocal\, and improvisation intensive free of charge as a service to our wonderful community of artists\, educators\, and students. \nThis workshop is an intensive for musicians looking to deepen their listening skills and all-around artistry. Participants will work directly with Stefon Harris utilizing his revolutionary app\, Harmony Cloud\, to learn his unique Melodic Progression Ear Training and Theory System. Vocalists will work with Alicia Olatuja following her vocal authenticity training through vocal mastery techniques and mindset mentorship for singers and non-singers alike. Together we will take a deep dive into the world of organized sound and increase our ability to be articulate and empathetic musicians. \nApplication Due on Monday\, May 18th \nTo apply\, you will complete a short questionnaire and submit a recording of yourself performing: Application Link. Applications are due Monday\, May 18th\, and applicants will be notified of their status shortly after. \nApplicants must be 18 years of age or older. Musicians of all levels and musical backgrounds are welcome—we encourage you to apply and share with others who may be interested. Due to limited space\, participants will be selected based on the applications received. \nTestimonials\n“Beautiful\, incredible – thank you so much for this opportunity.” – I.K. \n“It was such an invaluable experience! I feel so lucky to have participated in this\, and being around this group of musicians reminded me why I’m on this journey in the first place!” – A.C. \n“Stefon is a master artist and teacher. Stefon shared decades of his melodic and harmonic knowledge and research and was very effective in teaching his methods across a range of instruments and levels. Furthermore\, I enjoyed and appreciated discussion of the spiritual\, humanistic\, cultural\, and historical context of the music as well. This was one of the best workshops I have ever been a part of.” – T.Z. \nContact Us\nFor any questions\, email us at harmony.lab@rutgers.edu.
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/the-art-of-listening-summer-intensive/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Event,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://expressnewark.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Banner-Summer-Intensive-2026-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20251009T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20251009T210000
DTSTAMP:20251025T211637Z
CREATED:20250918T172702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251025T211637Z
UID:10000023-1760029200-1760043600@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:RHYTHM CHANGES
DESCRIPTION:ANNUAL THEME\nEntering a new season\, EN’s 2025-2026 annual theme is RHYTHM CHANGES\, which embraces improvisation and courageously dances with the inevitable rhythm of change. As a community\, we seek flow\, choose joy in uncertainty\, and create unity in the rhythm of people’s hearts. Through art\, design\, digital storytelling\, music\, and performance\, we’ll explore how rhythm helps us move together through change. \nRHYTHM CHANGES expands EN’s reach with new offerings in music\, printmaking\, and sculpture fabrication; deepens community educational programs; and presents exhibitions in art\, design\, photography\, film\, and public art. The season also features three Artists-in-Residence\, an Organization-in-Residence\, an extended installation\, and a series of artist-activated happenings that bring the theme to life. \nOn October 9\, 2025\, Express Newark hosted a season kick-off with a fireside chat featuring Stefon Harris and Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson\, presentations by our community partners and studios\, followed by the opening of four exhibitions and the extension of two others. \nClick to learn more about the EXHIBITIONS
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/rhythm-changes/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://expressnewark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mary-fields-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20250628T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20250628T180000
DTSTAMP:20250611T153926Z
CREATED:20250611T153926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T153926Z
UID:10000022-1751106600-1751133600@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:Muslim Voices of Newark
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Saturday June 28th for Muslim Voices of Newark\, a symposium of film\, art and talks centering stories of the Muslim experience here in Newark and throughout the history of America. The day-long event will feature film screenings\, lunch\, panel discussions\, a reception\, and access to Express Newark’s 2025 art exhibition\, Powers of the Unseen. \nThe films presented will include a special presentation of the landmark PBS series\, American Muslims: A History Revealed\, and will premiere three new documentary short films created by the inaugural cohort of our Muslim Voices of Newark filmmaking program. \nPanel discussions will feature: \n\nChester Higgins\, artist and photojournalist\nSister Laila Muhammad\, poet and community advocate\nAymann Ismail\, author\, journalist\, host\, American Muslims: A History Revealed\nDr. Kalenah Witcher\, Educator\, Psychologist\, Muslim Voices of Newark filmmaker\nBibi Stewart\, Organizer\, Educator\, Muslim Voices of Newark filmmaker\nNew Freedom Works (Imam MujahidDeen Mohammed\, Marsha Nivins Mohammed\, and Imam Bilal Hassan)\, Muslim Voices of Newark filmmakers\n\nThe conversation will be led by celebrated scholar\, author\, and academic advisor for American Muslims: A History Revealed\, Dr. Zain Abdullah. \nThis program is the culminating event of a series of exhibitions and events exploring Express Newark’s 2024-2025 annual theme\, RITUAL. The theme explores the relationship between Islamic spiritual practices\, rituals\, and creative expression—featuring experimentations in photography\, film\, sound art\, and textiles. These projects span Newark\, which has long been home to one of the nation’s largest African American Muslim communities\, while also branching out beyond the domestic borders of the United States to unite members of the global community. \nThe Muslim Voices of Newark filmmaking program is a partnership between Express Newark’s Community Media Center and Philadelphia’s Scribe Video Center. Scribe created Muslim Voices\, a national community history project supporting Muslim storytellers in creating short documentary films highlighting Muslim experiences and histories. The initiative is designed to highlight and celebrate the presence\, history\, contributions\, and challenges of African American Muslims in America. \nImage from “Muslims of Hunterdon Street“\, courtesy of the filmmaker\, Dr. Kalenah Witcher
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/muslim-voices-of-newark/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://expressnewark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/muslim-voices.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250225
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250801
DTSTAMP:20250328T165026Z
CREATED:20250328T165026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T165026Z
UID:10000021-1740441600-1754006399@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:Sacred Rugs: Contemplation\, Hope and Resilience
DESCRIPTION:Curated by Anthony Alvarez and Dahlia Elsayed \nPrayer rugs hold deep cultural significance and serve as mediums for contemplation. Adorned with symbols of hope and faith\, they inspire resilience and remind us of light in times of darkness. These spaces\, often woven with stories of struggle and perseverance\, illustrate how beauty can emerge from adversity. Beyond functionality\, prayer rugs are cultural artifacts and weave together stories of identity\, tradition\, and spirituality. By understanding their importance\, one gains an appreciation for diverse cultural practices. As powerful aesthetic forms\, prayer rugs invite reflection on our spiritual journeys and the strength drawn from one’s roots and rituals\, celebrating the resilience and beauty they hold. \nThis installation showcases the work of Rutgers-Newark’s students enrolled in the fall 2024 class\, “Problems in Contemporary Art\,” led by Anthony Alvarez. Collaborating with artist Dahlia Elsayed\, SHINE Portrait Studio Artist-in-Residence\, the course investigated Elsayed’s artistic practice and developed critical insights that informed the creation of new rugs. Through readings\, research\, and hands-on making over six weeks\, students explored how their expressions intersected with Elsayed’s art practice. Together\, Alvarez and Elsayed encouraged students to consider the prayer rug as a medium for contemplation\, hope\, and resilience\, inspiring them to envision aesthetic futures that challenge fear and despair. \nThe “Problems in Contemporary Art” class was taught by Anthony Alvarez\, Coordinator of Express Newark’s Free School\, Associate Director\, SHINE Portrait Studio\, and Lecturer of Fine Arts\, Department of Arts\, Culture and Media\, with Artist-in-Residence\, Dahlia Elsayed.  \nExhibiting Artists: Christeen Abdelshahied\, Carmelle Alexis\, Caylie Baker\, Brit Derilus\, Victor Elizondo-Martinez\, Bryan Euvin\, Amber Evans\, Daniel Flores\, David Gonzalez\, Jazmyne Johnson\, Vylette Mcknight\, Aasiyah Rogers\, Sonam Salvi\, and Imani Southerland
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/sacred-rugs-contemplation-hope-and-resilience/
LOCATION:Window Gallery\, Paul Robeson Galleries
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://expressnewark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ritual_69-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250225
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250701
DTSTAMP:20250328T164220Z
CREATED:20250328T164220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T164220Z
UID:10000019-1740441600-1751327999@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:Woven Prayers
DESCRIPTION:Artist Nzingah Oyo presents “Woven Prayers\,” a series of large-scale portraits staged in front of hand-sewn prayer rugs that contemplate the complexities of faith\, hope\, and connection in a world yearning for meaning. Activating Express Newark’s Lobby\, Oyo’s images build from her “Dreams and Prayers” series to spotlight members of Newark’s local Muslim community —families\, students\, and spiritual leaders—to bring greater visibility to their intergenerational practices and legacies. Her hand-sewn prayer rug scales to roughly fifteen feet high\, and is made up of a series of smaller prayer rugs that Oyo has collected. The portrait sessions were held in the SHINE Portrait Studio at Express Newark.  \nTextiles\, particularly the diverse colors\, designs\, and textures of prayer rugs\, served as an early inspiration for Oyo’s work and can be seen incorporated into many of her photographic compositions.  A Woven Prayer (sajjādat) #3 is Oyo’s third iteration of her practice of selecting\, assembling\, and sewing individual prayer rugs from her personal collection to create one larger prayer rug. Whereas prior prayer rug tapestries served as backdrops in Oyo’s photographs\, here Oyo moves to physically center the work in a space of installation in Express Newark\, inviting the viewer to an intimate and surreal encounter of ritual and connection. In reflecting on the significance of prayer rugs and the work\, Oyo noted\, “It represents a place and space for peace not only within one’s home but within themselves… I wanted to share this experience that many feel when entering the Masjid––a sense of peace and calm.” \n 
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/woven-prayers/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://expressnewark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ZING_WATER_40x30small-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250225
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250226
DTSTAMP:20250918T172904Z
CREATED:20250121T143358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T172904Z
UID:10000016-1740441600-1740527999@expressnewark.org
SUMMARY:RITUAL Opening
DESCRIPTION:Express Newark’s 2024-2025 annual theme Ritual is a series of exhibitions and events that explore the relationship between Islamic spiritual practices\, rituals\, and art—featuring experimentations in photography\, film\, sound art\, and textiles. Ritual features work by artists\, curators\, students\, and community members who’ve immersed themselves in nonsecular expressions of spirituality and Islamic traditions across the Muslim world. These works span Newark\, which has long been home to one of our nation’s largest African American Muslim communities\, while also branching out beyond the domestic borders of the United States to unite members of the global community. \nBy bridging traditional spiritual practices and aesthetic innovations\, these artistic explorations turn towards Muslim interiorities—an often underrepresented perspective in art—to create timely meditations that center art and ritual and inspire new discourses\, worldviews\, and conversations about belief and identity. \n\n\n\n\nImage: Malick Welli in collaboration with Charlotte Brathwaite\, Forgotten Paradise #2\, from the series Dream the Other Side of the River \nOpening Reception: February 25\, 2025 \nExhibitions On View: February 25 – July 31\, 2025 \nRSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/express-newark-presents-ritual-tickets-1142909094869?aff=oddtdtcreator \n\n\n\n\nExhibitions\nPowers of the Unseen \nIn the Paul Robeson Gallery\, the exhibition “Powers of the Unseen” features photography works that explore the Muslim concept of the Unseen (al-Ghayb)\, which refers to that which is hidden from the visible world and beyond human perception. In this exhibit\, the theory of the Unseen frames photography by thirteen international artists\, including Laylah Amatullah Barrayn\, Chester Higgins\, Gordon Parks\, Kameelah Janan Rasheed\,and Malick Welli.These artists explore the frontier between the visible and invisible\, the intersection of spirituality and photography\, and the limits of perception and representation. While many artists have some relationship with Muslim-majority contexts worldwide\, their work resists singular labels. \n\nFeatured Artists: Yasi Alipour\, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn\, Younes Baba-Ali\, Charlotte Brathwaite\, Nene Aïssatou Diallo\, Binta Diaw\, Bruno Hadjih\, Chester Higgins\, Amina Kadous\, Baseera Khan\, Gordon Parks\, Kameelah Janan Rasheed\, and Malick Welli \n\nAs the exhibit includes European\, American\, and African artists\, it also questions the standard geographies of the “Muslim World.” Amidst calls for inclusive representation across spheres of public life\, this work challenges us to consider the right to remain hidden. Powers of the Unseen is co-curated by Sandrine Colard\, Wendell Marsh\, Alex Dika Seggerman\, and Aude Tournaye and will be on view until July 31\, 2025. \nWoven Prayers\, Nzingah Oyo \nPhotographer Nzingah Oyois presenting “Woven Prayers\,” in which the artist captures large-scale portraits in front of hand-sewn prayer rugs to contemplate the complexities of faith\, hope\, and connection in a world yearning for meaning. Activating across the entire second floor of Express Newark\, Oyo invites members from the local Muslim community to participate in the portrait sessions held in the SHINE Portrait Studio. \nSacred Rugs: Contemplation\, Hope\, Resilience \nAcross in the Windows Gallery\, “Sacred Rugs: Contemplation\, Hope\, Resilience” showcases the work of fourteen students who completed the fall 2024 class\, “Problems in Contemporary Art: Ritual.” The course\, led by Assistant Director of SHINE Portrait Studio\, Anthony Alvarez\, encouraged Rutgers students to develop critical insights informed by Elsayed’s artistic practice and to design and create new rugs. Together\, Alvarez and Elsayed urged students to consider the prayer rug as a medium for contemplation\, hope\, and resilience\, inspiring them to envision aesthetic futures that challenge fear and despair. \nFeatured Artists: Christeen Abdelshahied\, Carmelle Alexis\, Caylie Baker\, Brit Derilus\, Victor Elizondo-Martinez\, Bryan Euvin\, Amber Evans\, Daniel Flores\, David Gonzalez\, Jazmyne Johnson\, Vylette Mcknight\, Aasiyah Rogers\, Sonam Salvi\, and Imani Southerland \nCarroussa Sonore\, Younes Baba Ali \nExpress Newark welcomes multimedia artist Younes Baba Ali as its first international Artist-in-Residence. Baba Ali is a Moroccan-born artist based in Brussels who engages the public by mixing technology\, objects\, sound\, video\, and photography with political\, social\, and ecological issues. Throughout his residency\, he is developing a two-part installation\, “Carroussa Sonore\,” which translates to “sounding cart\,” that engages those who live and work in Newark. Local artists and students work closely with Baba Ali to create site-specific sound artworks performed throughout Newark neighborhoods by street vendors and performance artists. “Carroussa Sonore” departs from a religious act and becomes an intervention that archives urban soundscapes\, abstract noises\, and alternative narratives throughout the African Diaspora. \nFeatured Artists: Ali Motamedi (Ir/Us)\, Amélie Laurence Fortin (Can/Pl)\, Binta Diaw (sn/it)\, Fajr Kegler (Us)\, Haochun Yang & KeKeZ(Chn/Us)\, Jamilah Malika Abu-Bakare (Nga/Us)\, Khaled Jarrar (Pse/Us)\, Laïssa C. Alexis (Hti/Us)\, Magali A Cult (Hkg/Us)\, Nene Aïssatou Diallo (Gin/Us)\, Paul Pinto (Us)\, Richard Garet (Ury/Us)\, Shara Lunon (Us)\, The Just Now Orchestra (Ukr/Us)\, Tiffany Salas (Us)\, Vanessa Blake (Us)\, Wannes Dender (Be)\, and Younes Baba-Ali (Ma/Be) \nSubtle Centers\, Dahlia Elsayed & Andrew Demirjian \n“Subtle Centers\,” an immersive installation imagined by SHINE Portrait Studio artist-in-residence Dahlia Elsayed\, in collaboration with artist Andrew Demirjian. This immersive installation meditates on the permeability between interiorities and exteriorities\, prompting visitors to imagine a space between the physical and spiritual worlds collectively. Transforming the Box Gallery into an invented outdoor courtyard featuring mirrored reflection\, moving sounds\, and tangible objects\, the space offers an invitation from the material world for greater comprehension and interpretation of the immaterial.
URL:https://expressnewark.org/event/express-newark-presents-ritual/
LOCATION:Express Newark\, 54 Halsey Street\, Newark\, NJ\, 07102
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://expressnewark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1600-3-1-scaled.jpg
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