art

With a Timely Message of Social Justice, Exhibit Paints South Asian Culture in a New Light

With a Timely Message of Social Justice, Exhibit Paints South Asian Culture in a New Light

"Airport Goodbye" by Shahidul Alam

THIS WEEKEND, ASIA Society Texas unveils a new exhibit called Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power, showcasing the moving imagery of the renowned Bangladeshi photographer-activist in the United States' first-ever museum survey of his work.

Within the beautiful and spacious building, guests can view more than 60 of Alam's moving images depicting daily life in the "majority world," a phrase he has chosen to represent what others call the "third world." The body of work will challenge visitors to reframe how they view Bangladesh and South Asia; Pakistan-born Alam feels the culture of the region is often misunderstood, and he seeks to depict truth and offer tools for empowerment through his photography.

"Sailboat Fishing for Ilish" by Shahidul Alam

"Woman in Ballot Booth" by Shahidul Alam

"Woman in Ballot Booth" by Shahidul Alam

"My introduction into photography was for political reasons," says Alam, who is a writer and was named a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018. He also co-founded the free-speech-advocating Drik Picture Library with anthropologist Rahnuma Ahmed. "It was social justice I was after, and I recognized that photography was this powerful tool." In that sense, he stumbled into the medium, and is using it to the extent that it affects change. He's captured images of protests (and was, himself, detained), a photo of a woman casting a vote in Bangladesh's historical 1991 election, and ones depicting Islamophobia and extremism.

Truth to Power opens on Saturday, Feb. 13, and runs through July 11. Admission is free.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Art + Entertainment
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Go Inside Houston Ballet's 'Golden' Evening that Raised $1.65M!

Dave Rossman and Melissa Taylor

Lauren Anderson and Fady Armanious

EVER A GLAMOROUS event, the Houston Ballet's annual black-tie ball was a glimmering affair at the Wortham, where 500 guests joined event chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
parties

At Posh Tony’s Fete, Baly’s New Doctorate and Life of Service Honored

Alejandro Olivares

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture