Home Away FROM HOME: Julian Pena Gallery

When it comes to being of Middle Eastern descent and living in the U.S., one’s life experience includes regularly facing varying degrees of prejudice and discrimination. While these people feel grounded and a sense of belonging in their homes where their identities and cultures are very much alive, they are forced to confront feelings of otherness when they step outside whether it’s through receiving judgmental glances, harsh words or physical violence. With eyes on the outside, Middle Easterners who live in other parts of the world experience these struggles indirectly; feeling an instinctive connection to those in the U.S., they are affected by what they see and hear on the news or social media. “Home Away From Home” exhibits original work by artists of Middle Eastern descent living in the U.S. and abroad who attempt to explore themes of underrepresentation, isolation and racism while navigating the physical and emotional disconnect between themselves, their cultures and the places they call home.