In collaboration with National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and the US Embassy in Kuwait, American Artist Jackie Kazarian exhibited his art collection at the Modern Art Museum in Sharq on Wednesday. In his opening speech, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Kuwait Lawrence R Silverman said, "On the heels of the Ghrain festival, this exhibition affirms that Kuwait has a long list of ongoing cultural activities on its national calendar. We are delighted to support these activities by bringing American artist Jackie Kazarian here to display her artwork along with the museum's many other fine pieces of modern art."

He added, "Kazarian is an abstract artist who uses a variety of media to paint, draw, and collage. Her artwork is inspired by nature-weather phenomena, waterfalls and flows, trees and plants -and also by architecture, particularly by urban spaces. Kazarian's work is in many private and public collections, and her paintings, drawings, installations, and videos have been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, including the United States, Spain, Japan, Syria, and now-for the first time in the Gulf-Kuwait." Her paintings are known for their emotional content, vivid colors and kinetic brushwork.

Artist Kazarian expressed her happiness about participating in Kuwait and thanked the US Ambassador and Secretary General of the National Council Ali Al-Youha for their support. Kazarian who has been passionate about art since she was young, has more than 30 years of experience. She has a Masters degree in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Bachelor degree of Science in Zoology from Duke University. "I use a variety of drawing technique using ink, watercolor, gouache and acrylic on paper," she said.

Kazarian will work intensively with students from Kuwait University this week, onsite at the Souq Al-Mubarakiyya and at Free Atelier. In her workshops she will teach tips and tricks of the trade. Also she will give one more public lecture at the Contemporary Art Platform.

By Faten Omar