Arab-American Artist Paints to Inspire Dialogue for Peace

ARAB NEWS
By Barbara Ferguson

"Midnight Prayers," by Helen Zughaib

WASHINGTON DC - During Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki's visit to the White House last year, President Barack Obama presented the leader with a gift: A painting by Arab American artist Helen Zughaib.The piece, “Midnight Prayers,” is notable for its symbolism and rich use of colors, depicts a scene of Arab life in a hopeful, healing and spiritual way, says Zughaib. The aim of her artwork is simple, she says: “I hope my work inspires open and continued dialogue between the Arab world and the West. I truly believe that both sides share a common bond — and that one really can have a discussion over a painting that may end stereotypes. I really want to achieve mutual understanding and have that dialogue because I have a foot in both countries and in both cultures.” [link]