John Thompson, associate professor of visual communication in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, will speak on his experiences in Afghanistan and Morocco Feb. 4 in the Panasci Lounge, located in SU's Schine Student Center. An opening reception will begin at 4 p.m., and Thompson's remarks will begin at 4:15 p.m. The discussion will kick off an exhibition of Thompson's works entitled "An Artist's View of the Muslim World." The exhibit, sponsored by the University's Arts Adventure program, is free and open to the public and will continue through Feb. 15.
Thompson was one of a handful of artists allowed access to the America efforts to support the Mujahedin Freedom Fighters against the Soviet-installed government of Afghanistan. Thompson's paintings documenting that time in history have been on exhibit in government offices across the world. Some of the pieces included in the exhibit are on loan from the Department of Defense.
Thompson continues to explore the world of Islam through travels in Northern Africa, Morocco, and Turkey. His work provides glimpses of the day-to-day existence of Muslims often ignored in the media.
Arts Adventure is dedicated to exposing SU students to the vast riches of the arts in Syracuse and Central New York. The Arts Adventure program gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the United States Department of Defense in providing artwork from their collection for this show.
The Panasci Lounge is open from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
