"AMEN- A Prayer for the World" was the 2014 CARAVAN Exhibition of Art, involving 48 premier Middle Eastern and Western artists (from Christian, Muslim and Jewish origins) featuring 48 life-sized 3D fiberglass figures in prayer. Each of the artists was given a life-size fiberglass sculpture in one of four poses of prayer to paint or decorate as they wish. The four forms of prayer, symbolized human diversity, community and the many forms that prayer can take. 

 

As an artistic group from Christian, Muslim and Jewish backgrounds, the artists were making a statement that they together are “praying” for peace, justice and the end to sectarian strife, toward living and working together in harmony. Therefore, “AMEN-A Prayer for the World,” was an aspirational expression of hope and goodwill for the peoples of the Middle East and the rest of the world. 

 

The AMEN exhibition launched in Cairo, Egypt at the Museum of Modern Art, and was followed by exhibitions at National Cathedral in Washington D.C. and at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.  Over 200,000 people viewed the AMEN exhibition at these three venues. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTIST STATEMENT
When I thought of this project, and in the context of some earlier work I had done with the help of my friend Paul-Gordon Chandler, I chose Egypt as my theme.

I was inspired by the idea of the woman, who I believe is one of the most important pillars of our society. I imagined myself in front of Queen Hatshepsut or Queen Tiy or Nefertari.

This queen is the mother of our people, and from her body extends all goodness in the form of branches giving joy and comfort and good fortune, personified by the turquoise scarabs that she bestows on everyone.

She has sat down on Set, the ancient Egyptian god of evil, as a sign of her control over the circumstances and all the evil forces of political Islam, who have wronged the Egyptian civilization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 My "Amen-Amun" form on exhibition at National Cathedral in Washington D.C., USA