Arab Express press release vol.3 15 JUNE, 2012

[opening] Arab Express: The Latest Art from the Arab World 16 June (SAT) – 28 October (sun), 2012 MORI ART MUSEUM (53f, roppongi hills mori tower)

The Mori Art Museum is pleased to present “Arab Express: The Latest Art from the Arab World,” Japan’ s first ever exhibition of contemporary art from the Arab world, from Saturday, 16 June through Sunday, 28 October, 2012. Contemporary art from the Arab world is currently attracting attention across the globe. Numerous exhibitions have been held over the past decade in art museums in Europe and the . There are also clear indications that the art industry within the Arab world itself is maturing, with a new museum, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art opening in Doha (Qatar) in 2010 and satellite branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim Museum now under construction in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). Within this context, “Arab Express” presents works of , sculpture, photography, video and installation by 34 artists and artist groups, each of which has been selected as a result of our own original research in the region. While stereotypical images of the Arab world tend to include such things as terrorism, conflicts rooted in ethnic and religious causes, and political division, the Arabian people themselves of course continue to go about their lives, and the exhibition aims to convey the realities and subtleties of those lives to viewers through the wide range of artworks included in this show. As is suggested in its title, this exhibition provides a news-like “report” on the Arab world’ s current state as well as its diverse and rapidly changing cultures and lifestyles.

Tarek Al-Ghoussein Untitled 23 (D Series) 2008-09 Digital print 100 x 133 cm Courtesy: The Third Line

press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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Highlights

■ Japan's first exhibition of contemporary art from the Arab world By conducting our own research in the region and by drawing on our network of local experts, the Mori Art Museum has created an exhibition focusing on 10-plus countries from the Arabian Peninsula and surrounds.

■ Diverse and complex artworks that correct a mistaken impression of homogeneity From lifestyle practices to identities, the countries of the Arab world are brimming with diversity. The artworks on show help explain those cultural complexities and provide a clear image of people’s everyday life in the region.

■ Eye-opening, unique forms of expression The Arabian sense of aesthetics is informed by the region's traditions, religions, customs, climate and geography. And it is reflected in the many unique and exciting forms of visual expression on show.

■ Arab Lounge In order to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the Arab world, the exhibition features an information lounge with the latest news on Arab fashion, food, lifestyle, customs and religion. The Mori Art Museum will also host a series of lectures and events by Arab specialists in order to establish a new dialogue on and with the Arab world.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS in an alphabetical order * Female artist Ebtisam Abdulaziz* [born 1975 in UAE, lives in UAE] Adel Abidin [born 1973 in Iraq, lives in Finland] Jananne Al-Ani* [born 1966 in Iraq, lives in UK] Sadik Kwaish Alfraji [born 1960 in Iraq, lives in the Netherlands] Reem Al Ghaith* [born 1985 in UAE, lives in UAE] Tarek Al-Ghoussein [born 1962 in Kwait, lives in UAE] Halim Al Karim [born 1963 in Iraq, lives in UAE/US] Mounira Al Solh* [born 1978 in Lebanon, lives in Lebanon/the Netherlands] Atfal Ahdath [formed in 2010 and active in Lebanon] Ahmed Basiony [born 1978 in Egypt, passed away 2011 in Egypt] Zena el Khalil* [born 1976 in UK, lives in Lebanon] Osama Esid [born 1970 in Syria, lives in US] Abdulnasser Gharem [born 1973 in , lives in Saudi Arabia] Joana Hadjithomas* & Khalil Joreige [born 1969 in Lebanon, lives in Lebanon/France] Rula Halawani* [born 1964 in Jerusalem, lives in Jerusalem] Meera Huraiz* [born 1989 in UAE, lives in UAE] Emily Jacir* [born 1970 in Palestine, lives in Lebanon] Lamia Joreige* [born 1972 in Lebanon, lives in Lebanon] Mohammed Kazem [born 1969 in UAE, lives in UAE] Amal Kenawy* [born 1974 in Egypt, lives in Egypt] Jeffar Khaldi [born 1964 in Lebanon, lives in UAE] Maha Maamoun* [born 1972 in US, lives in Egypt] Ahmed Mater [born 1979 in Saudi Arabia, lives in Saudi Arabia] Hassan Meer [born 1972 in Oman, lives in Oman] Maha Mustafa* [born 1961 in Iraq, lives in Canada/Sweden] Moataz Nasr [born 1961 in Egypt, lives in Egypt] Khalil Rabah [born 1961 in Jerusalem, lives in Palestine] Ibrahim Rashid [born 1957 in Iraq, lives in Canada/Sweden] Faisal Samra [born 1956 in Bahrain, lives in Bahrain/Saudi Arabia/France] Hrair Sarkissian [born 1973 in Syria, lives in Syria/UK] Suha Shoman* [born 1944 in Jerusalem, lives in Jordan] Oraib Toukan* [born 1977 in US, lives in US] Sharif Waked [born 1964 in Nazareth, lives in Israel/Parestine] Akram Zaatari [born 1966 in Lebanon, lives in Lebanon] press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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Organizers: Mori Art Museum, The Yomiuri Shimbun Curated by: Nanjo Fumio (Director, Mori Art Museum), Kondo Kenichi (Associate Curator, Mori Art Museum) In Association with: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, The Middle East Research Institute of Japan, Japan Arab Association, Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East, Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Japan, Culture, Education and Science Bureau/ Egyptology and Tourist Promotion office, Embassy of Egypt in Japan, Embassy of Finland in Japan, Ambassade de France au Japon, Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Japan, Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Japan, Embassy of the Republic of Lebanon in Japan, Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Japan, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Japan, Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in Japan Corporate Sponsors: OBAYASHI CORPORATION, TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION, SANKEN SETSUBI KOGYO CO., LTD., SHINRYO CORPORATION, KYUDENKO Media Partners: Nafas Art Magazine, Brownbook Cooperation: Edge of Arabia, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Sharjah Art Foundation Support: ETIHAD AIRWAYS, GIFU PLASTIC Industry Co.,Ltd, NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD., Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Curatorial Advisors: Wassan Al-Khudairi (Former Director, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art), Hoor Al-Qasimi (President, Sharjah Art Foundation), Ehab Ellaban (Commissaire, the 12th Cairo Biennale), Salwa Mikdadi (Art Historian/Curator, Modern & Contemporary Art of the Arab World), Muhammad Talaat (Former Director, Palace of Arts, Cairo) This exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Kingdom of Bahrain, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates; as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Venue: Mori Art Museum 53F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan Open Hours: 10:00–22:00|Tue: 10:00–17:00|*Admission until 30 minutes before closing. *Open everyday. Admission: Adult: ¥1,500; University / Highschool student: ¥1,000; Child (4 years to Junior Highschool student): ¥500 *All prices include tax. *Ticket also valid for “MAM Project 017: Lee Changwon” and Tokyo City View observation deck (excludes Sky Deck). *Additional entrance fee to the Sky Deck is required. Tel: 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial) Website: www.mori.art.museum Exhibition Outline To date, the Mori Art Museum has held large-scale exhibitions exploring the contemporary art of, specifically, China, Africa and India. We believe such exhibitions are an effective way to introduce the cultures of non-Western regions to the Japanese public. “Arab Express,” which has been created through our own research in the region, is the latest in this series and the first exhibition of its kind ever to be held in Japan. Many Japanese view the Arab region as being particularly distant, but it goes without saying that the people of that region go about their everyday lives, experiencing joys and sadness, in the same way as us. For this exhibition, we have taken this concept of “everyday life” as the bridging point between the Japanese public and Arab contemporary art. Thus we have deliberately selected artworks that relate directly to the reality of life in that region. We have steered clear of the kinds of negative images that are emphasized in the European and American media—terrorism, conflicts rooted in ethnic and religious causes, and political divisions—and instead we have tried to convey the realities of the lives of the common people through art. The exhibition focuses on the region reaching from Egypt in the west through the Arabian Peninsula and as far as Iraq in the east. Of course, even within this region there are distinct differences in dialect, degree of religious observance, clothing and all manner of other customs. The very definition of “Arabian” is something that differs from person to person across this region, as are conceptions and realities surrounding “art.” Hence, “Arabian art” necessarily represents a diverse collection of richly expressive forms. The exhibition includes works by 34 artists and artist groups, including painting, photography, video and installation. It is divided into three sections, all of which are to convey and portray the diversity and current state of contemporary art in the Arab world. The title of this exhibition is deliberately reminiscent of a newspaper name or a rapid-service train. This reflects the exhibition’s attempt to convey in as up-to-date a fashion as possible the current circumstances in this rapidly changing region. And thus our fictitious “newspaper” is suggestive of a question: What is the current state of the “Arab world,” in actuality? press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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Section 1: Everyday Life and Environment In this section, we focus on artworks that provide a glimpse into the little-known realities of everyday life in the Arab world. The works introduce issues related to the problems and contradictions stemming from a severe climate and environment, the oil industry, rapid urbanization and political divisions. Works referencing the rich Arabian popular cultures are also included.

Participating artists: Sadik Kwaish Alfraji, Reem Al Ghaith, Atfal Ahdath, Rula Halawani, Mohammed Kazem, Amal Kenawy, Jeffar Khaldi, Hassan Meer, Maha Mustafa, Moataz Nasr, Ibrahim Rashid Reem Al Ghaith Dubai: What's Left of Her Land? Section 2: 2008/11 Mixed media installation Dimensions variable The Image of Arab: Gaze from Outside, Voices from Inside Installation view: The 54th , 2011 This section includes artworks that resist stereotypes and attempts to group the entire region under the singular term "Arab." Many Arab artists these days are involved in a reconsideration of the image of the Arab that has been constructed in the West and may have been re-imported back into their region. In so doing, those artists seek to create their own images of themselves.

Participating artists: Adel Abidin, Jananne Al-Ani, Tarek Al-Ghoussein, Mounira Al Solh, Osama Esid, Meera Huraiz, Maha Maamoun, Ahmed Mater, Faisal Samra, Oraib Toukan, Sharif Waked

Section 3: Memories and Records, Histories and the Future Ahmed Mater Magnetism Things one wants to forget but cannot, things one wants to pass on to future 2012 generations, things one wants widely known: In the parts of the Arab world that have Photogravure etchings 62 x 81 cm experienced religious or political strife or social revolutions, art is often seen as a form Courtesy: Edge of Arabia of documentation or archive. In this section we focus on the "memories and records" of the present and the past. We also reconsider the role of media such as photography and film, which are presumed to convey reality; "collective memory," which is supposed to be a shared repository of truth; and their fictious nature.

Participating artists: Ebtisam Abdulaziz, Halim Al Karim, Ahmed Basiony, Zena el Khalil, Abdulnasser Gharem, Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige, Emily Jacir, Lamia Joreige, Khalil Rabah, Hrair Sarkissian, Suha Shoman, Akram Zaatari

Zena el Khalil ARAB LOUNGE: Xanadu, Your Neon Lights Will Shine 2010 The Arab Lounge features a variety of contents designed to help visitors deepen Acrylic paint on canvas, glitter, fabric, kufiya cloth, their understanding of the Arab world. Immerse yourself in the book corner, which bead, sequin, pompon, artificial flower, photocopy, features everything from specialist history and philosophy books to fashion and lifestyle insulation board in gold leaf frame magazines-all of which amounting to 250 will help you get a feel for Arab culture 183 x 215 x 19 cm Courtesy: Galerie Tanit Photo: Christoph Knoch and lifestyle. A selection of videos of Arab scenery shot by the museum staff as well as other videos that explore the mysteries of Arab life and Arab mathematics are also on display. There is also a selection of tourist materials, film previews and other materials provided by Arab embassies. In addition, throughout the exhibition, the lounge will play host to various specialists who will give lectures on aspects of Arab culture and seek to open up a new dialogue between the region and Japan.

press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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Halim Al-Karim Untitled 1 (from the King's Harem series) 2008 Lambda print Press images are available on our website. 170 x 75 cm Collection: Barjeel Art www.mori.art.museum Foundation Courtesy: XVA Gallery

Section 1 Reem Al Ghaith Rula Halawani Dubai: What's Left of Her Intimacy Land? 2004 2008/11 Archival black and white digital Mixed media installation prints Dimensions variable 47 x 72 cm (each, set of 9) Installation view: The 54th Courtesy: Selma Feriani Gallery Venice Biennale, 2011

Maha Mustafa Black Fountain Atfal Ahdath 2008- Take me to this place: I want to Mixed media installation do the memories Dimensions variable 2010-12 Installation view: “Black Fountain,” Photograph, sound, mixed Passagen Linköpings Konsthall, media Sweden, 2009 Dimensions variable Photo: Sara Ibrahim

Section 2 Tarek Al-Ghoussein Untitled 23 (D Series) 2008-09 Digital print Adel Abidin 100 x 133 cm I’m Sorry Courtesy: The Third Line 2008 Sound installation (light box, Plexiglas, wood, light bulb, wiring) Dimensions variable

Ahmed Mater Magnetism Meera Huraiz 2012 Gladiator Photogravure etchings 2010 62 x 81 cm Lambda print on Courtesy: Edge of Arabia aluminum 100 x 150 cm Courtesy: XVA Gallery

press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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Section 3 Zena el Khalil Xanadu, Your Neon Lights Will Shine 2010 Akram Zaatari Acrylic paint on canvas, glitter, Saida, June 6, 1982 (Blue print fabric, kufiya cloth, bead, with Camera movement) sequin, pompon, artificial 2006-09 flower, photocopy, insulation Composite digital image board in gold leaf frame 112 x 210 cm 183 x 215 x 19 cm Courtesy: Sfeir-Semler Gallery Courtesy: Galerie Tanit Photo: Christoph Knoch

Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Abdulnasser Gharem Joreige The Path Postcards of War (from the 2009 Wonder Beirut series) Video 1997/2012 Courtesy: Edge of Arabia Postcard 10.5 x 14.8 cm( each, set of 18) Courtesy: The Third Line

Related Information exhibition catalogue

Text contributors: Nanjo Fumio, Kondo Kenichi, Nada Shabout, Salwa Mikdadi Size, Number of pages: A4 variation, 208 pages Price: ¥2,835(incl. tax) Edited and Published by: Mori Art Museum Produced by: Heibonsha Ltd., Publishers

Original Exhibition Goods Candies Adel Abidin I’m Sorry Price: ¥525(incl. tax) T-shirts [4 variations] “Arab Express” Logo type 2 variations( black / White) Price ¥2,940(incl. tax) Sadik Kwaish Alfraji The House that My Father Built, (once upon a time) 1 variation (white), Adel Abidin I’m Sorry 1 variation( white) Price: TBD *available at the end of June Totebags [3 variations] Exhibition title “Arab Express” designed in Arabic. (Pink, Lime, Natural) Price: ¥1,575(incl. tax) Postcards [10 variations] Price: ¥157(incl. tax) each

press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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■ “Let’s Go to Arab!” Campaign Mori Art Museum is running a campaign to celebrate the opening of “Arab Express” exhibition where winners selected in a drawing will receive prizes such as round-trip air tickets to Abu Dhabi (8 persons, 4 pairs to total). Dates: 15 June – 28 October, 2012

Winner of the World’s Leading Airline awards for 3 consecutive years Etihad Airways’ Round-trip Pair Tickets to Abu Dhabi (8 persons, 4 pairs to total) Enjoy Special Treatment at NAGOMI Spa and Fitness Arabian Night Summer Stay at Grand Hyatt Tokyo (2 persons, 1 pair to total) Produced by Troy Lee, The Chef de Cuisine of The Oak Door Special Arabian Menu at The Oak Door, Grand Hyatt Tokyo (8 persons, 4 pairs to total) Revisit the Exhibition Once More at Home! Vivid Color Plates and Essays Are Featured Exhibition catalogue of “Arab Express” (6 persons)

* Campaign entry can be made at the campaign corner at the Mori Art Museum or via Mori Art Museum website. WWW.MORI.ART.MUSEUM Inquiries regarding Arabian Night Summer Stay and Special Arabian Menu at The Oak Door at Grand Hyatt Tokyo: Ms. Ito Marketing Communications, Grand Hyatt Tokyo Tel: +81-(0)3-4333-8882 Fax: +81-(0)3-4333-8893

■ “Arab Express” exhibition book fair at TSUTAYA TOKYO ROPPONGI

Many of the books in the Arab Lounge can be purchased at “Arab Express” exhibition book fair held at TSUTAYA TOKYO ROPPONGI. Dates: Friday 15, June – end date TBD Venue: TSUTAYA TOKYO ROPPONGI 6-11-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5775-1515

press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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Exhibition-Related Programs

■ Symposium

Part1 Panel Discussion *Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation available In the context of rapid economic development, social change and internationalization, Arab art continues to change and mature. This symposium will feature Arab contemporary art specialist and the Curatorial Advisor Salwa Mikdadi, Arab literature and third-world feminism scholar Oka Mari as moderator and also exhibition artists in a wide-ranging discussion of Arab contemporary art that we hope will open up new dialogue between the Arab world and Japan. Keynote lecture: “Today’s Arab Art” Speaker: Salwa Mikdadi (Art Historian/Curator, Modern & Contemporary Art of the Arab World) Session1 “Something hidden in the desert” Speakers: Jananne Al-Ani (Artist), Tarek Al-Ghoussein (Artist) Moderator: Oka Mari (Professor, Graduate School of Human & Environmental Studies, Kyoto university) Session2 “Memory and image of a war” Speakers: Adel Abidin (Artist), Lamia Joreige (Artist) Moderator: Nanjo Fumio (Director, Mori Art Museum) Date & Time: 10:00-14:30, Saturday, 16 June, 2012 (Door open: 9:30 / Break: 12:00-13:00) Venue: Academyhills 49 (49F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower) Capacity: 150 (bookings required) Admission: General ¥1,000; MAMC Member free Organizers: Mori Art Museum, Academyhills Special Support: The Japan Foundation Bookings: Mori Art Museum Website WWW.MORI.ART.MUSEUM

Part2 Artists' Relay Talk *Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation available Visiting artists will talk about their own artworks in the gallery. Speakers: Sadik Kwaish Alfraji, Reem Al Ghaith, Vartan Avakian [Atfal Ahdath], Mohammed Kazem, Maha Maamoun, Maha Mustafa, Moataz Nasr, Ibrahim Rashid, Suha Shoman (Artists) Moderator: Kondo Kenichi (Associate Curator, Mori Art Museum)

Date & Time: 15:30-17:00, Saturday, 16 June, 2012(Door open: 15:00) Venue: Mori Art Museum Capacity: 80 (bookings required) Admission: Free (exhibition ticket required) Organizers: Mori Art Museum Special Support: The Japan Foundation Bookings: Mori Art Museum Website WWW.MORI.ART.MUSEUM

■ Roppongi Art College Seminar “Arab's Now and Future” *Japanese Only

Last year the Arab Spring movement started in Tunisia and enveloped much of Middle East. Journalist Ikegami Akira discusses the meaning of those events and what the future holds for the Arab world.

Lecturer: Ikegami Akira (journalist) Date & Time: 19:00-20:30, Monday, 18 June, 2012 Venue: Academyhills 49 (49F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower) Capacity: 500 (bookings required) Admission: ¥3,000 Organizers: Academyhills Special Support: Mori Art Museum Bookings: Mori Art Museum Website WWW.MORI.ART.MUSEUM press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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■ Events in Cooperation with Institut franco-japonais de Tokyo

Artists' Talk *Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation available Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige will talk about their own works. Speakers: Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige (Artists) Date & Time: 19:00-20:30, Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 (Door open: 18:30) Venue: Mori Art Museum Capacity: 80 (bookings required) Admission: Free (exhibition ticket required) Organizers: Mori Art Museum, Institut franco-japonais de Tokyo www.institut.jp In Association with: Ambassade de France au Japon Bookings: Mori Art Museum Website WWW.MORI.ART.MUSEUM

“Arab Express” Special Film Screening & Talk by the Artists: Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige Screenings of two key works by this director-pair who work in France, A Perfect Day (2005) and I Want to See (2008) will be held. On the 19th, a casual discussion with the artists will follow the film screening. Date & Time: *Japanese-French consecutive interpretation available for the discussion Wednesday, 18 July, 2012 16:30- I Want to See (75min.) / 19:00- A Perfect Day (88min.) Thursday, 19 July, 2012 16:00- A Perfect Day (88min.) / 18:30- I Want to See (75min.) Venue: Institut franco-japonais de Tokyo Capacity: 100 each (bookings required) Admission: General ¥1,000; Member of Institut franco-japonais de Tokyo, MAMC Member ¥500 Organizers: Mori Art Museum, Institut franco-japonais de Tokyo www.institut.jp In Association with: Ambassade de France au Japon Enquiries: Institut franco-japonais de Tokyo www.institut.jp

■ Events in Cooperation with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Talks and lectures will be held in collaboration with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, which opened in Doha, Qatar in 2010. * Details to be announced at a later date on the Mori Art Museum website. ■ Roppongi Art College Seminer Series: "Getting to Know the Real Arab World" *Japanese Only In this three-part series we explore what life is really like in the Arab world. Part 1 "All You Need to Know About Arab Geography and History - in 90 Minutes!" What exactly do we mean when we talk about the "Arab region"? How is it different from the Middle East? In order to understand Arab societies, it is important to understand the geographical and historical fundamentals. Date & Time: 19:00-20:30, Monday, 9 July, 2012 Speaker: Ikeda Akifumi( Vice President & Professor, Toyo-Eiwa University) Part 2: What Kind of Religion is Islam? Islam lies at the foundation of Arab society. But what kind of religion is it? How does it differ from Christianity and Judaism? In this session we explore the Arab world from the perspective of religion. Date & Time: 19:00-20:30, Monday, 30 July, 2012 Speaker: Shimada Hiromi (Historian of religion, Journalist)

Part 3: Everyday Life in Arab Society: From the Latest on Marriage Practices to Social Media In this, the last part of the series, we look at the everyday lives of regular Arab people. From marriage practices and polygamy in the context of strict religious observance to the Arab Spring and the social media that helped beget it, we discuss the realities of everyday life for Arab people that are likely unfamiliar for the Japanese people. Date & Time: 19:00-20:30, Wednesday, 22 August, 2012 Speaker: Karima Morooka Elsamny (Broadcaster/Lecturer at Keio and Dokkyo Universities) press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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Moderator (for all three parts): Hasegawa Yuki( The Yomiuri Shimbun International News Department Staff Writer) Venue: Academyhills 49 (49F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower) Capacity: 120 each (bookings required) Admission: ¥3,000 each Organizers: Academyhills Cooperation: The Yomiuri Shimbun, Mori Art Museum Bookings: Mori Art Museum Website WWW.MORI.ART.MUSEUM

*Speakers are subject to change without prior notice. Many other public programs, including gallery talks, family programs, access programs and school programs (some offered in Japanese only) will also be held. Please check the Mori Art Museum website for details. WWW.MORI.ART.MUSEUM

Enquiries: Public Programs, Mori Art Museum (11:00-17:00, weekdays) Tel: 03-6406-6101 (direct) Fax: 03-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected]

press release Press Contact Details: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Machino, Ms. Taki, Ms. Shinagawa, Ms. Kiriki Public Relations, Mori Art Museum Tel: +81-(0)3-6406-6111 Fax: +81-(0)3-6406-9351 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mori.art.museum

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