Materials Lab Workshop: Preserving Memory and Loss, with Artist Mohamad Hafez

Syrian American artist and architect Mohamad Hafez encapsulates in his art memories of his homeland and its turmoil. Working with a combination of found objects, paint, and scrap metal, Hafez creates surrealistic Syrian streetscapes that are architectural in appearance and politically charged in content. During this hands-on, multisensory workshop on Thursday, Apr. 18, participants will explore Hafez’s architectural creations, while taking in the scent of Syrian spices, and apply the artist’s fast-paced drawing and painting techniques to create their own two-dimensional cityscape based on memory and emotion.

No prior experience necessary and materials are included in the $15 materials fee. The hands-on session will take place in the Materials Lab on the Lower Level. Registration is required and space is limited. Please email am_register@harvard.edu or call 617-495-1440 to join the waitlist. Attendees must be at least 14 years of age.

This workshop is one of three events related to the 2024 Norma Jean Calderwood Lecture at Harvard Art Museums, featuring an artist talk by Mohamad Hafez, “Preserving Memory and Loss,” on April 17. Please see the lecture listing for more information about the related programming.