New Exhibit Explores International, Local Perspective on Human Rights

, in collaboration with Barnstable County Human Rights Commission, want internationally known human rights advocate and acclaimed Sudanese-American artist Elshafei Dafalla Mohamed's exhibits to create a dialog about the respect of human rights, and specifically treatment of immigrants on the Cape, a press release said.

Mohamed's first exhibit "On Boders and Other (Un)Natural Elements" brings three installations together for the first time, "Delirium, In Transition and Dialogics."

The exhibit uses a variety of media including photography, painting and cloth to explore and offer different perspectives on man-made problems and "visions of fluidity, unity and love." The works address problems on a global and local level.

"Given the recent referendum in Sudan, the second exhibit is timely, and provides the community with an opportunity to gain a living perspective on Sudanese political and cultural contexts," said a Cotuit Center for the Arts press release.

Much of Mohamed's work focuses on Sudan, where he was born and lived, and on his time living in a nomadic tribe - both experiences that fostered the idea of countries without borders, plus the welcoming and respecting strangers.

In Sennar, where Mohamed grew up, fire was a sign of welcoming. In tribal tradition, a large bonfire was lit every night to welcome travelers. These elements will be incorporated into the events surrounding the artwork and human right issues.

Mohamed's life is key to his messages about international political events portrayed through his artwork. Throughout the mediums, water and fire are key themes from the perspective of his home town located on the Blue Nile.

“It is such a unique opportunity for our community to engage with international personalities with such a breadth of experience on the subject of global human rights - there is so much happening in Sudan right now- the exhibit has so much relevance,” Elizabeth Swanson Goldberg, the former Director of the Barnstable Human Rights Commission, who collaborated with the Center to create the program said.

Mohamed will be at Cotuit Center for the Arts Wine & Music Wednesday on Feb. 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to discuss his work, accompanied by a wine tasting and music provided by Ensemble Passacaglia.

The exhibit runs from Feb. 16 through March 29.