INTERCULTURAL

INTERCULTURAL is an interactive immersive Vision & Sound art experience by Sheinina Lolita Raj and collaboration with Nelly Furtado at FAB-gallery, 2001 Main St. Santa Monica. Opening Sept. 21st, 7-10pm on International Peace Day.
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Intercultural is a conceptually rigorous, painstakingly detailed portfolio exploring conventions of ethnographic perceptions through a series of costumed self-portraiture featuring Sheinina Lolita Raj arrayed in the traditional authentic finery of various regions and nations — India, Pakistan, Japan, Thailand, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Eritrea, Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Armenia, Mexico, Hawaii, First Nation and North America.
“Every aspect of artist Sheinina Raj’s photography-based practice is undertaken in a singular spirit of progressive humanism. Knowing the power of the pure expressive gesture, Raj uses herself — both her story and her body — as both the intuitive site and narrative touchstone for what is ultimately a deeply personal and generously universal message of peace, acceptance, and beauty”. Shana Nys Dambrot Huffington Post Essayist / Art Critic
Raj’s own cross-border heritage and intercontinental family history first inspired her to embark on this serial self-transformation, in which her inviting countenance is revealed as ethnically morphic as she successively embodies both the epitome and increasing obsolescence of race-based constructs of identity.
“The ancient solfeggio tonal frequency 417Hz was used as a basis for this quadrophonic sound art piece and is heard throughout the entire piece. The intent of this healing tone is undoing situations and facilitating change. This tone produces energy to bring about change. This frequency cleanses traumatic experiences and clears destructive influences of past events. I felt that using the healing tone as the building block to support this piece would enhance Sheinina’s mission of encouraging peace and change through art. This, the exhibit truly becomes a holistic, sensory healing experience”. Nelly Furtado Artist / Musician / Lyricist / Producer
As cultures around the world collide this art could not come at more pertinent time, raising awareness to the diverse nationalities that permeate our modern day societies that are but one. “Intercultural” enlightens ideologies while initiating a common respect for all humanity leading ultimately to a peaceful coexistence worldwide.
The show has come from Toronto and after California it travels to Miami, Basle then Frieze New York with London and the Geneva planned for 2018.