May 16, 2008 – August 31, 2008
Anna K. Meredith Gallery, Art Center on Grand

Artists working today exemplify the term “global citizen,” often growing up in one region, being educated or working in another, and exhibiting at galleries, fairs, museums and exhibitions in every country possible. World Histories presents approximately twelve artists whose work fits comfortably at the forefront of the international contemporary art scene and its continuing dialogue with aesthetics, formalism, and the influence of the artists that have come before. However, while participating in this globe–spanning conversation, each of these artists uses his or her work (and the “language” of contemporary art–making) to present a unique expression of their respective identities as individuals, defined by the specific place, time, and culture he or she emerged from. Within single works minimalism combines with traditional craft technique, found objects sit alongside devotional figures, and scenes from warring cultures clash and coalesce. Artists include El Anatsui (Ghana), Sonny Assu (Canada), Heri Dono (Indonesia), Dario Escobar (Guatemala), Yoko Inoue (Japan), Shi Jinsong (China), Mustafa Maluka (South Africa), Rachael Rakena (New Zealand), Katrin Sigurdardottir (Iceland), Jesse Small (U.S.), and Angela Strassheim (U.S.).

This exhibition is accompanied by an exhibition catalogue with a foreword by Jeff Fleming, director, and essays by Jon Winet, Associate Professor and Head of the Intermedia Department of the University of Iowa’s School of Art & Art History and Laura Burkhalter, assistant curator. World Histories is organized by Laura Burkhalter, assistant curator.

World Histories Related Programs

Preview Party

Thursday, May 15, 6 – 8 pm
Music by DJ Raj; complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar
Admission $5; members FREE

East Village Books Meet & Greet

Friday, May 16, 5 – 7 pm
Stop by East Village Books for a chance to meet World Histories artists Mustafa Maluka and Rachael Rakena, discuss membership and benefits, and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and wine from Jasper Winery.
510 East Locust
FREE admission

Live Iowa Public Radio Broadcast

Friday, May 16, 6:30 – 9 pm
(Broadcast will begin at 7 pm)
Join the Art Center in welcoming Iowa Public Radio for a live broadcast of Know the Score with musical performances, interviews with Director Jeff Fleming, exhibition curator Laura Burkhalter, and artists Mustafa Maluka and Rachael Rakena. Complimentary wine and light hors d’oeuvres
FREE admission

Conversations on Art

Laura Burkhalter with artists Mustafa Maluka, Rachael Rakena, and Angela Strassheim
Sunday, May 18, 1:30 pm
Levitt Auditorium
FREE admission; reservations required and available exclusively through IowaTIX (515.277.3727 or www.iowatix.com)

Gallery Talk

Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM
Jeff Fleming, Director, and Laura Burkhalter, Exhibition Curator, with Sonny Assu and Jesse Small
FREE admission

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Guided Tours

We are pleased to offer guided tours of World Histories and the permanent collections.

Please schedule at least three weeks in advance. Contact Jennifer Cooley at 515.271.0328 or jcooley@desmoinesartcenter.org.

Adult Group Tours:
$2 per person / $20 minimum fee
Student Tours: Free

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