Prax•is |'prak səs| noun formal :

From Greek; Practice, as distinguished from theory.

U•ni•tas |yoō' nĭ täs| noun :

Latin; The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.

Photo courtesy of Jacinto Lirola

Welcome, fellow citizens of the world!

My name is Christopher. I've built this website to share practical ways that people of different cultures can connect and solve problems. I just launched an exhibition of Iraqi artwork in New York City entitled Oil on Landscape: Art from Wartime Contemporaries of Baghdad (Also on view: Contemporary art from the gallery collection). This is a full exhibition of Iraqi artwork in the United States comprised entirely of artwork from current residents of Iraq. Manhattan's Pomegranate Gallery and Iraqi-Art.com of Chicago have previously hosted works by some of these artists, but this exhibition focuses on the world premiere of Mohammed al Hamadany's harrowing series, Night of Fire-- an Iraqi perspective on Shock & Awe.

At present, there are numerous substantive barriers between the United States and Iraq, not the least of which is the invisible wall between our cultures that precludes basic understanding. While I served in Iraq, I was fortunate enough to become friends with numerous Iraqi artists, some of whose works will appear in the exhibition. In order to share this extraordinary experience and tear down this divisive wall, I have written a book to compliment the exhibition with political and cultural context. Furthermore, a small army of multi-lingual multi-cultural experts has translated this book into French and Arabic. It is my sincere hope that this exhibition of Iraqi art and the book I have written will serve to open channels for broader and more meaningful dialogue between the Iraqi and American people. On a basic economic level, the proceeds from the sale of these Iraqi paintings will support the artists and their families as they strive to rebuild the cultural heritage of their homeland. Finally, I hope that these efforts will serve to remind us that culture and language and religion may differ, but the basic tenets of humanity are the same.

Contact us with your questions & comments!