Art in Embassies Reception

U.S. Ambassador in Israel James Cunningham and Leslie Cunningham hosted a viewing of the exhibit “Couples: Parallel Journeys,” in their home on Monday, March 14, 2011, with guest speakers Beth Dozoretz, Director of the Art in Embassies Program, U.S. State Department and Dr. Gideon Ofrat, art critic, curator and historian. The exhibit includes paintings and sculpture by six American artist couples, each working independently, each with a distinct artistic voice and mode of expression, yet connected in their personal lives. The artists include: Robert Ryman and Merrill Wagner; Joel Shapiro and Ellen Phelan; Bruce Nauman and Susan Rothenberg; Rudy Burckhardt and Yvonne Jacquette; David Novros and Joanna Pousette-Dart; Robert Mangold and Sylvia Plimack Mangold.

U.S. Ambassador Cunningham and Mrs. Cunningham worked with the Art in Embassies program to select the artwork exhibited in their home. Ambassador Cunningham recounted that the theme of artist couples stemmed from their friendship originated in a conversation with their friends artists Joel Shapiro and Ellen Phelan. Through the art works exhibited in their home, the Ambassadors not only present the artistic accomplishments of their country, and communicate that knowledge of their country which is beyond words, but share something they love with everyone they welcome into their home. At the reception, Ambassador Cunningham shared his personal experiences of planning the “Couples” exhibit; listen to the full speech here:

Beth E. Dozoretz, Director of the Art in Embassies Program, discussed the most recent developments in the program, and her vision for the future. There are currently about 180 collections on exhibit in U.S. embassy residences worldwide. Ms. Dozoretz expressed her interest in enhancing the potential for cultural exchange by including the works of artists from the host country in future exhibits. She reported that in new embassies, the program is currently purchasing permanent art collections, such as the one recently installed in Pakistan. Looking toward the future, Ms. Dozoretz is interested in examining the influence of art on diplomacy and soft power, particularly in light of budget cuts, saying, “art has a profound influence on our lives…funding isn’t allocated appropriately in my view. We should not be cutting art programs.” Listen to the full speech here:

Dr. Gideon Ofrat rounded out the evening with an entertaining and informative discussion of the yet another couple: the U.S. and Israel. Listen to his full speech here: