Patterned Heritages Exhibit Now Open
Media Advisory by Whitney Frasier
A collection of work by artist Doris Bittar titled Patterned Heritages will be on display now through Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 at the Kellogg Library at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). The exhibit area is on the third floor and is free and open to the public during all library hours.
Patterned Heritages, influenced by multiculturalism and Arabic art, includes four separate art series and installations:
- “Tec Sayings” offers visitors a chance to create their own stories of identity using square tiles that contain words and symbols from a variety of cultures to create phrases that emerge into a conversation in a star design over time. The artist intends for the phrases to trigger images, memories and thoughts about the viewer’s origins, family culture, tribal culture and the larger world around them.
- The series “Lebanese Linen,” includes a striking photograph of Bittar’s family merged with patterns and colors to represent French Colonial and Arabic influences of the era.
- The collection titled “Secured State Maps,” consists of a small collection of collaged maps made from different patterns of security envelopes to address the world’s anxiety regarding terrorism and financial ruin.
- “Stars and Stripes” is an installation of flag paintings that tell of Bittar’s response to the September 11 attacks.
“In regard to the paintings, I hope the viewer wonders about their own assumptions regarding the immigrant or migrant experience in the United States, and how it dovetails with being American in general,” said Bittar. “Much of my work is about straddling two cultures that seem to be at odds with each other: the American culture—whatever that is—and the Middle Eastern or Arabic culture, which I may define differently than others.”
There are more than 10 pieces on display for participants to explore. For more information contact the Kellogg Library at context@csusm.edu or visit the artist’s website at www.dorisbittar.com.
What: CSUSM Fall 2015 Library Exhibit: Patterned Heritages
When: On-going through Monday, Dec. 14, 2015
Where: Kellogg Library at California State University San Marcos, located at 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road. The exhibit area is on the third floor and is free and open during all library hours. Visitors may purchase a daily or timed permit in any general parking lot utilizing the daily permit machines.
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout the year of 2015. Since its founding, CSUSM has distinguished itself as a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. With nearly 13,000 enrolled students, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego and Southwest Riverside Counties.
Eighty-five percent of CSUSM’s nearly 35,000 alumni stay in the region after graduation. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the 2014 HEED Award—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—the University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. CSUSM is located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos. It is 15 miles east of the ocean; just 30 miles north of downtown San Diego.