Nicholas Kristof and Ai Weiwei on Chen Guangcheng

Below is what another real life hero, Nicholas Kristof, says about Chen Guangcheng:

Nicholas Kristof

This man, Chen Guangcheng, is extraordinary -- a blind human rights activist in China who has been brutally mistreated and beaten while under house arrest. Now he has escaped and is said to be hiding in the US Embassy in Beijing. The problem is he's stuck there: the Chinese police can't enter to arrest him, but he can't leave the Embassy grounds for fear of renewed arrest and torture. I hope no one in the US government would ever think of ordering Chen to leave. Don't even think it!

Click on the New York Times article below for more on this story and what Ai Weiwei and others have to say about Chen Guangcheng:

Chen Guangcheng, a Blind Activist, Escapes House Arrest in China

www.nytimes.com

If Chen Guangcheng, a human rights lawyer who fled house arrest on Friday, is in the American Embassy in Beijing, the White House is likely to be cautious in handling his case.

Blind Chinese legal activist escapes!

A HERO!

Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese legal activist who has escaped from home imprisonment, is believed to have gone into hiding in Beijing, amid unconfirmed reports he has taken refuge in the US embassy. Chen had been restricted to his village home in Linyi in the eastern Shandong province since September 2010 when he was released from jail. A self-schooled legal advocate, Chen had campaigned against forced abortions.

Chinese activist 'in hiding' in Beijing

aje.me

Supporters of blind legal advocate Chen Guangcheng believe he is in the US embassy after escape from home imprisonment.

My Next Life - Woody Allen

Click here for link

A workshop by Iranian artist Reza Doust

Sense and sensibility in creating timeless  art work.

 A workshop by Reza Doust,

Boushahri art  gallery
Starting May 2 at 10 am -1 pm
Sunday-Wednesday

For more information or to register  please contact - Phone: 25621119 at the Boushahri Art Gallery
,Salmiya
Baghdad St. , Building 36

 

--
Best regard
REZA

Exhibition Opening of Iranian artists Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 7pm

Boushahri Gallery: A Selection of Contemporary Iranian Art Posted: 25 Apr 2012 11:06 PM PDT Boushahri Gallery cordially invites you to the Opening of the Exhibition of Iranian artists Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 7...

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Boushahri Art Gallery:

Kuwait City,Salmiya
Baghdad St. , Building 36 ,
Working hours : ( 10 am - 1 pm)
                        (4.30 pm - 9 pm )
(Closed on Thursday evenings & Fridays)
T : (+965) 25621119
Boushahrigallery@gmail.com

REUSE 5.0 Celebrates Earth Day with 85 Students from 7 Schools in Kuwait

Really good speakers and a great day!  I am the guy in the back with the dark sunglasses and making the V-sign...

en.v Celebrates Earth Day at REUSE 5.0 with 85 Students from 7 Schools in Kuwait - en.v

www.envearth.com

On April 22nd, The en.v Initiative (en.v), an organization dedicated to social responsibility in the Arab world hosted a three hour interactive “Earth Day Celebration” event at REUSE 5.0 at the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK).The event was attended by 85 students from seven public and private sch...

Iranian Contemporary Art at Dar Al Funoon April 25 at 7pm

Opening at 7pm on Wednesday 25th April and continuing through to Thursday 10th May, 2012.

Collective Exhibition of Iranian Contemporary Art

Featuring works by Iranian artists Sabzi, Maryam Iranpanah, Sasan Gharedaghlou, and Harwar Amini.

The artist, Sabzi, will be present at the opening.

Click here for more info!  

REUSE 5.0 still on tonight and tomorrow 5-9pm!

More Tibetans Set Themselves on Fire

A woman throws a white scarf over Tibetan Buddhist nun Palden Choetso as she burns on the street in Daofu, or Tawu in Tibetan, in this still image taken from video / Reuters

China: Tibetans Set Themselves on Fire

By EDWARD WONG (NYT)

Two Tibetan men on Thursday set themselves on fire in the town of Barma in the mountainous area called Ngaba by Tibetans and Aba in Chinese, according to Tibet advocacy groups.

LAST DAY TO VIEW THE AUK STUDENT ART EXHIBITION (9:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.)

LAST DAY TO VIEW THE AUK STUDENT ART EXHIBITION (9:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.)

AUK students participate in REUSE 5.0 exhibit

You are cordially invited to the REUSE 5.0 exhibition.  This year again a number of AUK students will be showcasing their artworks made with reused or re-purposed materials.  The exhibit is open to the general public from April 19-22 of 2012 on the premises of the Australian College of Kuwait from 5 to 9pm daily. 

The VIP opening reception is on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, from 6-9 pm (please let me know ASAP if you still need tickets). 

REUSE, now in its fifth year, serves as an opportunity for non-profit organizations, companies, professionals and aspiring creative talents to showcase their accomplishments in the fields of social responsibility and sustainability via a range of artistic mediums and interactive activities for the general public.  On a daily basis, REUSE 5.0 will feature a dynamic mix of art galleries, music, short films, a lounge, trendy eco- fashion & accessories & more.

Please feel free to share the REUSE 5.0 facebook event with your friends and invite them to visit REUSE 5.0 from 19-22 April 5-9pm.

REUSE 5.0 event page on Facebook  

Read the REUSE official blog 

REUSE 5.0 list of organizations, artists, students (the AUK students are MY students!), etc. participating in REUSE 5.0.

Check out the list of organizations, artists, students (the AUK students are MY students!), etc. participating in REUSE 5.0.

en.v Announces REUSE 5.0 Participants

projectreuseme.wordpress.com

REUSE, now in its fifth year, serves as an opportunity for non-profit organizations, companies, professionals and aspiring creative talents to showcase their accomplishments in the fields of social responsibility and sustainability via a range of artistic mediums and interactive activities for the general public.

This year REUSE 5.0 is being held on April 19-22 of 2012 on the premises of the Australian College of Kuwaitfrom 5 to 9pm daily with an expansive participation list to date.  On a daily basis, REUSE 5.0 will feature a dynamic mix of art galleries, music, short films, a lounge, trendy eco- fashion & accessories & more. We have compiled a detailed list of participants to date. We apologize if certain names were not mentioned – we definitely appreciate everything you have done for us thus far and look forward to showcasing your talents at REUSE 5.0!

AUK President's Exhibition opens TODAY!

Head of Humanities and Arts Dr. Craig Loomis inspects artwork by ART and GDES students during the President's Exhibition reception

You are cordially invited to the President’s Exhibition Reception in the President’s Office at the American University of Kuwait on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, from 2-3:30 pm.

The work on display is the best of the best work submitted to the exhibition competition by art and graphic design professors, from class work executed during the past semester.

The President’s Exhibition is a twice-yearly competition for ART and GDES students; work of the winners is exhibited in the President’s office for six months.

The winning students and their parents will be recognized and celebrated at the reception Tuesday.

We hope you can join us. 

AUK Student Exhibit Openings Tonight at 5pm!

The Office of Student Life will be hosting the 7^th Annual Art Exhibition. The purpose of this exhibition is to encourage all our students (whether they are art students or not) to showcase their talent or passion for the arts. This year’s exhibition will take place from the 15^th to the 19^th of April, with over 40 students participating. 

The opening ceremony will take place at 5:00 p.m. on the 15^th of April at the AUK Auditorium.  We are honored to have Ms. Liane Al-Ghusain, Education Co-ordinator for Contemporary Art Platform Kuwait, serve as judge and give out awards for student artwork this year. 

Opening Ceremony of AUK Student Art Exhibition, 5pm 15th April, AUK Auditorium

The Office of Student Life will be hosting the 7^th Annual Art Exhibition. The purpose of this exhibition is to encourage all our students (whether they are art students or not) to showcase their talent or passion for the arts. This year’s exhibition will take place from the 15^th to the 19^th of April, with over 40 students participating. 

The opening ceremony will take place at 5:00 p.m. on the 15^th of April at the AUK Auditorium.  We are honored to have Ms. Liane Al-Ghusain, Education Co-ordinator for Contemporary Art Platform Kuwait, serve as judge and give out awards for student artwork this year. 

Artist Sleeps Outside Till the Grass Grows

The artist's "piece is a commentary on human choice in the grand scheme of things…"

Artist He Yunchang (aka A Chang) is sleeping outside in Beijing's Caochangdi art village till the grass grows. (all photos by xingrui_beijing)

Artist Sleeps Outside Till the Grass Grows

hyperallergic.com

Since March 24, He Yunchang, also known as A Chang, has been sleeping outside in the Beijing artist village of Caochangdi (whose name literally means “Grassland/s”) until the grass is fully grown.

7pm Monday 9th April @ Dar Al Funoon

Dar Al Funoon cordially invites you to an exhibition by premier glass artist

Jean-Claude Novaro

Opening at 7pm on Monday 9th April in the presence of the artist

and continuing through to Monday 16th April, 2012

Born in Antibes, France in 1943; Jean-Claude Novaro is today recognized as one of the greatest glass blowers of our time. His unique and distinctive art-glass creations are highly prized and sought after by art connoisseurs world-wide. The acclaim and success Novaro enjoys today didn't come easily. Novaro's hard-earned skills and artistic genius, combined with an unwavering drive and determination have made Jean-Claude one of the premier glass artists in the world.

Novaro began his lifelong passion for glass in 1957 when he apprenticed at a glassworks in France when he was only 14 years old. Novaro is known today in the glass community not only for his amazing technical and artistic abilities but for his constant search for new ways to stretch the capacity of glass. Jean-Claude has invented new techniques, like his hand painting in between layers of glass and his magique collection, that leave people mystified and in awe. He is also a traditionalist in his insistance on working alone, letting every piece be a
creation of his own gifted hands.

China Said to Detain Returning Tibetan Pilgrims

Bodh Gaya during the Kalachakra Teachings 2012

China Said to Detain Returning Tibetan Pilgrims

By EDWARD WONG (NYT)

The detainees are being interrogated and ordered to denounce the Dalai Lama, according to groups who have conducted interviews with family members.

More Articles On This Topic »

Anonymous hacks Chinese government websites

Anonymous hacks Chinese government websites. A number of websites are replaced with messages on how to circumvent government restrictions on the internet.

Myanmar's Turn

101 East travels to Myanmar to witness the country's transformation through the eyes of ordinary people and asks whether the country will now emerge as Asia's newest democracy.  

Link to Video: Myanmar'sTurn

City of gold ... the temple-studded plains of Bagan. Photo: iStock
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/aglow-in-buddhas-embrace-20090604-bwl8.html#ixzz1rFHwVxCT

US to ease sanctions against Burma after historic elections

Civilians join Buddhist monks during a march in protest against the military government in Burma (Photo: AP)

BBC News - US to ease sanctions against Burma

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17619519

The US is to further ease sanctions against Burma after historic by-elections saw a landslide win for pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's ...

Young Gulf Arabs question tradition of cousin marriages

A Qatari wedding takes place in a traditional marriage tent in Doha

Young Gulf Arabs question tradition of cousin marriages ‎ Reuters  At least half of all Gulf Arab marriages are between cousins, with at least 35 percent of Qatari marriages between first cousins, according to current ...

Ai Weiwei Ordered to Stop Self-Surveillance

Chinese authorities censor Ai Weiwei's surveillance of himself in his home...but their surveillance continues...

Ai Weiwei Ordered to Stop Self-Surveillance

blogs.wsj.com

Chinese authorities put the finishing touch on artist provocateur Ai Weiwei’s latest performance art piece, ordering him to turn off four live webcams he had installed inside his own home in a wry effort to turn state surveillance on its head.

another look at Cai Guo-Qiang's Doha exhibit and the historical context for the relationship between the Arab world and China

Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) via Mathaf, Arab Museum of Modern Art

Listen to Dr. Jackie Armijo explain the historical context behind the Cai Guo-Qiang: Saraab exhibition at Mathaf, Arab Museum of Modern Art.

Another Look with Dr. Jackie Armijo

www.youtube.com

Qatar University professor Dr. Jackie Armijo talks about the historical context for the relationship between the Arab world and China, particularly with Cai's hometown of Quanzhou through a look at the installation "Homecoming" at Mathaf.

West Allis Votes: Corporations are not PEOPLE!!!!

Whoa! I did not know my homies were so rad!!!! Finally proud to be from 'stallis!

Voters in West Allis, Wisconsin Move to Amend | Move to Amend

movetoamend.org

WEST ALLIS – Last night West Allis, Wisconsin, a conservative Milwaukee suburb, voted overwhelmingly to reject the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling. Republican Party primary voters approved a resolution calling for an amendment to the US Constitution to establish that corporations ...

Some insight into Kuwait...

Gives some good insight into some of the issues specific to Kuwait, one of my former students is in this video, and also some street scenes were filmed right down the street from my apartment!  Check it out!!!

Call for wage rises in Kuwait

www.bbc.co.uk

Flights at Kuwait's national airline were grounded last week after workers went on strike calling for better pay and working conditions.

That was despite the government raising public-sector wages by 25% the week before - a move that union leaders said was not generous enough.

It is estimated that around 85% of Kuwait's oil revenues are now spent on salaries.

But is raising wages really sustainable in the long-run?

Howard Johnson reports.

Tibet self immolation protests going largely unnoticed in the wider world...

This image from video, released Friday, March 23, 2012 by London-based activist group Free Tibet, reportedly shows the cremation of Sonam Thargyal, a 44-year-old farmer who doused himself with kerosene before setting himself on fire earlier this month.

Tibet Self Immolation Wave Among History's Biggest

www.huffingtonpost.com

BEIJING -- Dozens of Tibetans have set themselves on fire over the past year to protest Chinese rule, sometimes drinking kerosene to make the flames explode from within, in one of the biggest waves of political self-immolations in recent history.  But the stunning protests are going largely unnoticed in the wider world...

Dar Al Funoon opening reception April 2, 7pm

Dar Al Funoon exhibition opening reception Monday, April 2, 7pm


Dar Al Funoon Gallery : Karim Ghidinelli ExhibitionArtist Profile: Karim Ghidinelli | Dar Al Funoon

If tiny Norway can stand up to the Beijing's bullying, why can't the USA?

If tiny Norway can stand up to the Beijing's bullying, why can't the USA?

Limits to Beijing's bullying by Fareed Zakaria, CNN

www.youtube.com

Limits to Beijing's bullying By Fareed Zakaria, CNN March 30th, 2012 In the playground of foreign affairs, you would think that size matters. The biggest bul...