For Immediate Release                          Contact:           Lara Arp

                                                                                                            214-632-9909

                                                                                                            art@citygallerydallas.org

 

CityGallery presents Reminiscences of Prison Years

 

Dallas, Texas – An unprecedented two-day show by former Iranian political prisoner and artist Soudabeh Ardavan will be held on September 7 – 8, 2007, at CityGallery, located in the SOTA building at 3601 Routh Street in Dallas.  This show is entitled Reminiscences of Prison Years.  Opening reception is Friday, September 7, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm and includes Iranian cuisine and live music.  Guest artist lecture is Saturday, September 8, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. 

 

With this unique show, Ardavan tells her story of being thrown into prison at the age of 23 as a student of architecture and interior design during Iran’s Cultural Revolution.  During this era, the ruling revolutionaries wanted to rid the country of “corrupt elements,” including the voices of its young and outspoken citizens.  From the time she became a prisoner in 1981 until she was release in 1989, Ardavan pursued art as her only refuge.  She secretly painted her experience of prison life through the use of innovate technique and equipment, successfully smuggling out 100 of her pieces with children who came to visit their mothers. 

 

“I am hoping people will see these paintings and never forget the many innocent lives lost in those years, the many of us whose lives changed forever.” – Soudabeh Ardavan

 

This event is presented through the joint efforts of the Iranian Democratic Society of Dallas and CityGallery.  Support for Ardavan’s work also comes from Amnesty International.  Admission is free to both days’ events.  RSVP is suggested, but not required, for the Saturday lecture at art@citygallerydallas.org.  Parking is available in the rear of the building. 

 

CityGallery is a dynamic venue featuring local, emerging artists and their multi-disciplinary work in visual art, music, theater and film. Home of the CityGallery World Music Concert Series, a summer film series, and a debuting theater salon in 2007, CityGallery is committed to creating an accessible space where local artists can initiate dialogue in their community.  Housed in the SOTA, or "State of the Art," building in the Turtle Creek/uptown area, the main halls of the complex feature the personal art collection of Dallas resident Herschel Weisfeld, and the 1950's structure itself received the 2003 Preservation of Dallas Award.

 

CityGallery is an entity of CityChurch, a diverse, ecumenical community of people that meets in the heart of Uptown on Sundays and throughout the metroplex during the week.  CityChurch is a safe, inclusive place for all people to worship regardless of race, creed, gender, cultural background, or sexual orientation.