Save the Dates: “Song Cycles” to Open at the Honan-Allston Library Art Gallery

Baul minstrels singing & dancing in rural Shantiniketan

Unbound Visual Arts, an affiliate of the UNESCO/UNITWIN Network on Gender, Culture & Development, is excited to announce its upcoming exhibit “Song Cycles” curated by Julia Ryan, which will open on June 4 and run until July 30. The exhibit will feature a rich array of artwork and photography around the theme of music “as an agent with potential to permeate all moments and media.” The work of seventeen members of Unbound Visual Arts (UVA) will be featured, including founding Board member Christine Winship, founding Council of Advisors member Brenda Gael McSweeney, and Council member Heidi Lee. 

Incorporating UNESCO’s international focus, the exhibit will include Brenda's story in photographs of West Bengal’s traditional Baul musicians. Capturing the rich cultural heritage of this Indian folk tradition, which UNESCO has classified as a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity,” these photographs highlight the cultural and artistic influence of the musicians. Chandana Dey, a Founding Member of the UNITWIN Network residing in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, has contributed one of the exhibit's storyboards.

Christine Winship's entry is titled "The Dude from Phantom Glue" and Heidi Lee's is "Mendelssohn's Concerto." 

An opening reception will be held on June 18, from 6-7:45 PM at the Honon-Allston Library Art Gallery. For more information and a 'coming attraction' preview of the exhibit, please visit Unbound Visual Arts’ website. 

The Guest Curator, Julia Ryan of Jamaica Plain, has strong experience and knowledge in the history of art, visual arts, performance art, education, and the French language.  She has worked directly with artists in museums, including The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, and other non-profits and colleges to support them in actualizing their exhibitions and performances. About Song Cycles, Julia writes: "In my selection, I hope to represent the many ways one can interpret music through painting, sculpture and photography, whether that be through vibrancy of color, undulation of form or literal experience." (Source: UVA website)

Gender Group girls dancing to Baul-inspired Tagore music

Sudhir at a Baul musical performance organized by Krishno Dey,
Founding UNITWIN Member, at Mitali – the "Abode of Peace"