Sugunan K /11 December 2024/

“WE THE (DISCARDED) PEOPLE: WELFARE OR WARFARE?” – A SOLO EXHIBITION BY CHAWKY FRENN

On 11 December 2024, the Bharat Kala Bhawan Galleries at Banaras Hindu University hosted the inauguration of “We the (Discarded) People: Welfare or Warfare?” by eminent Lebanese American Fulbright artist Chawky Frenn. Curated by Prof. Pradosh Mishra, this solo exhibition explores themes of unity, identity, and collective will. While initially inspired by the American populace and the concept of nationhood, the series transcends national boundaries and historical contexts, offering a profound reflection on universal human experiences.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. S.M. Singh, Dean of the Faculty of Science at BHU, along with the Deputy Director of Bharat Kala Bhavan and other distinguished staff members.

Open to the public until December 21, 2024, this exhibition invites visitors to engage deeply with its thought-provoking themes that resonate across cultures and borders.

Frenn’s work transcends cultural boundaries, resonating with a global audience by highlighting shared human experiences and the interconnected nature of our existence. The exhibition serves as a poignant reminder that, despite our differences, we are bound by a common destiny on a single planet. “We the (Discarded) People” invites viewers to reflect on the social and political issues shaping our communities, encouraging a deeper understanding of both personal and collective struggles that define humanity, as noted in the press release for the exhibition’s inauguration.

Chawky Frenn, an Associate Professor at George Mason University and Fulbright Scholar at Banaras Hindu University, has been honored with two Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Awards. His international research took him to New Delhi in 2017 and Varanasi in 2024.

Frenn’s work has been showcased in solo, museum and group exhibits across the globe, earning critical acclaim from prestigious publications like the New York Times, NY ARTS, Art New England and Boston Globe. His accolades include the Teaching Excellence Award from George Mason University in 2009.

Professor Frenn is the author of two books, “100 Boston Artists” (2013) and “100 Boston Painters” (2012). His work has been featured in notable publications such as “100 Artists of Washington, D.C.” (2011), “Male Nude Now” (2001), and “Encyclopedia of Arab American Artists” (2008). Additionally, “Art for Life’s Sake,” a monograph on his work, was published in 2006 by Fine Arts Consulting and Publishing in Beirut, Lebanon.

This exhibition holds special significance in India, where its themes of resilience and unity resonate deeply. It serves as both a national and global call to action, urging viewers to recognize their role in fostering a more peaceful, just and harmonious world.