Heard Museum Brian Jungen, Void, 2002 48 Coleman coolers, wooden pallet, light, metal clamps 87″ x 96″ x 27″ , Installation dimensions approx. Installation view Renaissance Society, Chicago Collection Bob Rennie, Rennie Management Corporation Courtesy Catriona Jeffries Gallery, Vancouver Holy Land: Diaspora and the Desert April 8 December 31, 2006 Co-curated by Joe Baker and Lara Taubman Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art 2301 North Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona, USA 602.252.8848 http://www.heard.org For further information contact: Nicole Haas 602.251.0283 / nhaas@heard.org Holy Land: Diaspora and the Desert, an upcoming exhibit at the Heard Museum, launches a new chapter of visual ideas in the museums long history with an exhibit of international import. Eight contemporary artists are convened who share close cultural relationships to desert concepts that engage social, geographical and psychological issues; they are members of communities that have been displaced by the impact of colonialism and post colonialism. Although each artist is of a different background, parallel experiences emerge through different artistic mediums and thinking as it focuses on current issues of nation, identity, diaspora and cultural exchange. The exhibit will run April 8, 2006, through December 31, 2006, in the Heards contemporary project space, the Crossroads Gallery. Participating artists include Israeli artist Guy Ben-Ner, Ambreen Butt of Pakistan, Thomas Joshua Cooper, an artist of Cherokee ancestry now living in Scotland, First Nations artist from Canada, Brian Jungen, Odili Donald Odita of Nigeria, Raha Raissnia from Iran, brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre of Mexico and Seminole/Muskogee/Diné artist Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie from the United States. About the Heard Museum Since 1929, the Heard has educated visitors from around the world about the art and cultures of Native people of the Southwest. With almost 40,-00 artifacts in its permanent collection, an education center and award-winning Shop & Bookstore and Café, the Heard remains committed to being a place of learning, discovery and unforgettable experiences.