In conjunction with In Harmony: The Norma Jean Calderwood Collection of Islamic Art, this two-part webinar series for teachers presents a live online discussion with scholars, artists, and educators exploring visual culture and art technologies in Persian history and contemporary Iran. Both sessions will model close looking and object-based learning in the classroom.
How are contemporary Iranian artists influenced by cultural traditions of the past? How do modern technologies influence or shape contemporary visual culture? Join digital graphic novelists Amir and Khalil, author and artist of the
graphic novel Zahra's Paradise, and Olga Davidson, Research Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Muslim Societies & Civilizations at Boston University to learn about the influence of the great Persian epic the Shāhnāma (The Book of Kings) on their work. The epic poem, written over 1,000 years ago, addresses themes of leadership, authority, and power. Amir and Khalil harness the potential of digital media to explore similar issues in their graphic novels, which focus on contemporary Iran. Olga Davidson will introduce the Shāhnāma.
Format and Participation
This webinar is open to those working on education at the K-12 level.
Contact: Anna Mudd
Sponsors: The Harvard Art Museums, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies