Mary Ann Peters
2013
Researching the Lebanese diaspora at the Arab World Institute in Paris and the Centro Libanés in Mexico City, towards the artist’s ongoing painting, drawing, and print work.
One sustaining interest that I have is lost or compromised cultural histories and their interplay with the notion of territory. By following the trajectory of peripheral events I find narratives that illuminate a historical dialogue often less considered. These shadow incidents spark new ideas. In 2010 I traveled in Lebanon and to Damascus. Having Syrian/Lebanese roots enhanced my observations and, coupled with current pedestrian photographs from the Arab world, initiated a new body of work titled from a history of ruin. Researching the 20thc Lebanese diaspora gives another context to contemporary events and provides potential resources for my work.
Featured Image: my father's father, Mary Ann Peters. Image courtesy of the artist.