Via Basel: A Look Back


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A Look Back at Rosalind Al-Aswad’s Memorial Exhibition

Ten years ago today, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) collaborated with the Al-Aswad family to present the memorial exhibition, Rosalind Al-Aswad: Portraits of an Examined Life, October 31 – November 7, 2005, at Gallery 2, 847 W. Jackson Boulevard. 

An excerpt from the press release:

Rosalind Al-Aswad’s work spans nearly fifteen years of painting and drawing, capturing the life of an adventurous and dedicated business woman, mother, wife, and artist. Her works are unique for both their artistic value and social perspective, offering us a personal glimpse of the political upheaval of a pre-Gulf War Iraq. 

An excerpt from the exhibit catalog:

Rosalind Al-Aswad was an expressionist of sorts. She faced her demons whether in the workplace, on the domestic front, or in the face of death. And all of this made its way into her painting for us to behold with wonder. We should all have the strength of purpose that Al-Aswad demonstrated in so many ways. Her children do. And along with the painting, her legacy is alive in them.

The catalog for the exhibit featured Rosalind’s signature swan. More excerpts from the catalog, by Lisa Wainwright, can be found in the article here.

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The opening reception was a huge success attended by over 150 people and her work was well received.

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Because the exhibit opened on Halloween, Rosalind’s daughter Susan arrived in Trick or Treat attire.

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Rosalind would have been proud of her son Chris’s achievement in creating Escape into Life, which is dedicated to his mother. Her daughter Mandy continues at EIL as CEO. Today, we honor and remember Rosalind Al-Aswad for her achievements in art, business, and life.

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Below is a small sample of the featured artwork, reception photos, and links to previous posts related to Rosalind Al-Aswad on EIL. Additionally, if you are interested in making a gift to the Rosalind and Christopher Al-Aswad Memorial Fund, which provides financial assistance to students at the School of the Art Institute, please go here for more information.

Rosalind Al-Aswad, THE-SWAN

Rosalind Al-Aswad, reception, wailing wall

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Rosalind Al-Aswad, couple at reception

Rosalind Al-Aswad, painting of the parents

Rosalind Al-Awad, reception painting

A look back:

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Basel for EILBasel Al-Aswad is a yogi trapped in an Orthopedic Surgeon’s body. His loves in life include reading, hiking, enjoying nature, meditation, and spending time with his large Iraqi family. 

Tribute to Rosalind Al-Aswad at EIL

Tribute to Christopher Al-Aswad 

2015 SAIC Al-Aswad Scholarship Recipient

SAIC Scholarships and Giving 

All photos from Memorial Exhibition

 




2 responses to “Via Basel: A Look Back”

  1. Tiana says:

    I can’t believe it has been ten years from the memorial exhibition! What a nice collection of art! May GOD bless her and Christopher’s souls in heaven.

  2. Gail Miller says:

    Every time I look of the painting Roz did of both of us,
    I think of how much our friendship meant to me.

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