SIERRA VISTA — In partnership with Cochise College, the International Rescue Committee in Tucson has brought its exhibit “Flight: Mid-Century Masters Interpret the Escape for Survival,” a collection of pieces by 20th century artists, including Marc Chagall and Joan Miró, to be displayed through March 22 at the Sierra Vista Campus Library Commons. In conjunction with the display, Tuesday, March 6, will feature “Gallery Talk: History of Refugees in Arizona” at noon in room 702.
“Flight” is a special portfolio of individual works by a dozen 20th century masters representing their interpretation of the struggle of those who flee from their homes in search of freedom. The collection consists of 11 lithographs and one serigraph and includes the work of Eugene Berman, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Vieira da Silva, Adolph Gottlieb, Wifredo Lam, Jacques Lipchitz, André Masson, Joan Miró, Robert Motherwell (the serigraph), Edouard Pignon, and Fritz Wotruba.
“Flight” was organized by Varian Fry, an IRC representative in France during World War II, who rescued more than 2,000 writers, artists, intellectuals and other refugees who were being targeted by the Nazis. Among those Fry helped escape from France were Hannah Arendt, André Breton, Marc Chagall, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Wanda Landowska, Jacques Lipchitz and Heinrich Mann. In the 1960s, to raise funds for the IRC’s work, Fry began to assemble a portfolio by 12 established artists whose work would be based on the theme of flight, to reflect the plight of the refugees. All plates were destroyed by the artists after the printing.
For more information about the discussion to be held March 6, contact Ana Smith at 515-3636 or Al Kogel at 515-5479.
A global leader in humanitarian assistance, the International Rescue Committee works in more than 40 countries offering help and hope to refugees and others impacted by violent conflict and disaster. During crises, IRC teams provide health care, shelter, clean water, sanitation, learning programs for children and special aid for women. As emergencies subside, the IRC stays to revive livelihoods and help shattered communities recover and rebuild.
Every year, the IRC also helps resettle thousands of refugees admitted into the United States, in 22 cities across the country, including Tucson. The IRC in Tucson has restored safety, dignity and hope to more than 2,500 refugees from 23 countries, assisting them in rebuilding their lives right here in southern Arizona. Visit Rescue.org/Tucson for more information.
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