American University in Cairo (AUC) visual arts program, department of arts organized an exhibition entitled 'Robert Colescott: The Cairo Years in Context' on Thursday, February 11 at Tahrir Cultural Center, AUC Downtown Campus.
The exhibition was attended by the U.S. ambassador to Egypt Jonathan R. Cohen and featured a presentation by the independent art historian Matthew Weseley.
At the beginning of his virtual speech, Cohen said, "Distinguished guests, masah l’kheir, good evening. I am delighted to be with you virtually to honor American artist Robert Colescott."
He thanked the exhibit’s curators, Terri Ginsberg, and Duncan MacDonald, for their vision and decision to open this art exhibit during Black History Month, noting that this exhibit offers a special opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to American culture.
"Robert Colescott’s story -- as a teacher, a veteran of World War II, an artist, and a world traveler -- is extraordinary. When he decided to move abroad, Colescott chose Egypt, and he became an artist-in-residence at the American Research Center in 1964. The same year I was born. This experience impacted him so greatly that he returned in 1967 to teach at the American University in Cairo, where he influenced students, artists, and faculty and curated AUC’s first art exhibition," he continued.
Moreover, he described art as 'a critical tool allowing audiences to grapple with deep, challenging messages'.
In addition, the U.S. ambassador said, "Colescott’s impact on the civil rights movement in America and on art history derived from his friendships and shared experiences with Egyptian friends and colleagues,"
Cohen concluded his speech by saying, "These types of interactions are fundamental to the U.S. government’s ongoing partnerships in Egypt in almost every sector – from the cultural to the educational, to the economic, and to the military spheres. As we work to nurture deeper connections between Egyptians and Americans."
It is worth mentioning that, attendees are required to wear a face mask at all times when inside the Margo Veillon Gallery or when in proximity to others.
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