Understanding, Not Exclusion: An Exploration of Sacred Spaces at The Olympia Gallery

Alison West Martin’s interest in Islamic art and philosophy came to her gradually, via the Americas. “I spent three summers in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, while I was studying for my Masters in Fine Arts,” she tells me. “I found the remnants of Islamic architecture there, brought over from Spain. I have always been … More Understanding, Not Exclusion: An Exploration of Sacred Spaces at The Olympia Gallery

A Historic Day: Paris Agreement on Climate Change Comes Into Force

Today is a day of great moment for Planet Earth. The Paris Agreement, signed by 175 countries in New York last Earth Day, April 22, is now in force. This is unexpectedly early, and just ahead of this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, Morocco. How did this happen? Well, the number of countries … More A Historic Day: Paris Agreement on Climate Change Comes Into Force

African Postman: Tributes to Fatema Mernissi, Visionary Feminist Scholar

Yes, I am determined to revive my “African Postman” series… And what better way to start it again? (By the way, “African Postman” is a great song by Jamaican roots reggae artist Winston “Burning Spear” Rodney, of whom I am an everlasting fan. I use it to preface interesting and unusual news from that great … More African Postman: Tributes to Fatema Mernissi, Visionary Feminist Scholar