ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A joint Kurdish-Danish exhibition in Erbil has turned an old prison into an Art Expo with the Erbil-based Kurdish artist Asuda Rawandzi, and the Danish artist Lone Bendixen Goulani who will soon be leaving the Kurdistan Region.
Goulani said that she has been in Kurdistan since 2003, describing her time in the Kurdish Region as "rich and inspiring," she said on her Facebook, adding that the exhibition was her last time in Erbil, and she is to return back to her native country of Denmark.
Asuda described her day at the exhibition as "special."
Danish artist Lone Bendixen Goulani speaks before her artwork at the "60 Glasses of Tea" art exhibition in Erbil. AFP/ Safin Hamed
Below is the official description of the exhibition:
The old atmospheric Mahata Prison was initially built as a railway station. Now, Shanidar Art Expo is turning this historical location into a gallery starting with an exhibition prepared by Lone Bendixen Goulani and Asuda Rwandzi.
In this art exhibition, both women are drawing on the inspiration and colors of Kurdistan, the mosaics of the mosques, the glittering dresses in the bazar, the patterns of the Kurdish carpets, favorite places around the region, and the people that play a role in their lives. The exhibition is called 60 Glasses of Tea as each of the 60 pieces of work is like a glass of tea served to enjoy in the humble setting of an old prison.
Lone Bendixen Goulani has a degree in Modern Culture and Cultural Communication from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The local artist, Asuda Rwandzi, is educated from the Fine Arts College in Erbil, Kurdistan.
All proceeds will be donated to SEED’s psychological counseling services for Yezidi women to support them in recovering from torture, rape and sexual slavery.
Musicians perform at the "60 Glasses of Tea" art exhibition in Erbil. Photo: AFP/ Safin Hamed.
An arts piece at the "60 Glasses of Tea" shown in displayed in Erbil. AFP/ Safin Hamed