Frauke V. Josenhans, the Horace W. Goldsmith Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, explores the transfer of visual imagery and cultural concepts from European to Middle Eastern artists in the second half of the 20th century, using the example of Lebanese artist Saloua Raouda Choucair. When she arrived in Paris shortly after World War II, Choucair discovered abstract modernism and cubism, notably at Fernand Léger’s studio. Instead of simply imitating what she saw, she transcended formalism to create a highly personal aesthetic that drew from multiple sources. Presented in conjunction with the special exhibition Modern Art from the Middle East. Space is limited. Please meet in Gallery lobby.