AMMAN.- Under the Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, the I AM exhibition global tour organized by CARAVAN premiered on 3 May 2017 at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts in Amman, Jordan and was officially opened by H.R.H. Princess Wijdan Al-Hashemi.

As the world’s attention is focused anew on respecting women’s rights, and while there is an increasing need for developing understanding and encouraging friendship between the peoples of the Middle East and West, I AM is a peacebuilding exhibition from CARAVAN that showcases the insights and experiences of Middle Eastern women as they confront issues of culture, religion and social reality in a rapidly changing world both in the Middle East and West.

Designed to address stereotypes and challenge misconceptions of the "other”, the I AM exhibition will be a visual celebration of the crucial role that Middle Eastern women play as guardians of peace, celebrating their strengths and rich and diverse contributions in the enduring global quest for a more harmonious and peaceful future. The I AM exhibition highlights what women contribute toward healing our world, because of their inherent connection to the sanctity of life, and their ability to nurture and protect it, thereby inspiring a legacy of harmony.

The I AM exhibition is being guest curated by Janet Rady, a specialist in Middle Eastern contemporary art, and 31 acclaimed women artists of Middle Eastern heritage from 12 countries have been invited to participate in this unique East-West exhibition.

The I AM exhibition will run in Amman, Jordan at the National Gallery of Fine Arts through June 14, 2017 and will then be showcased in London at St. Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square (July 3-August 20, 2017), following by touring North America through the end of 2018, premiering on September 5, 2017 in Washington, D.C. at the Katzen Arts Center of the American University.

Additionally, the phrase “I AM” is significant to the Abrahamic faiths. The words of divine self-identification, “I AM”, are familiar to Christians and Muslims to represent God/Allah, therefore serving as an interreligious bridge. The phrase “I AM” remind us, regardless of creed, of all being equal and one. Above all, this exhibition celebrates the diversity of human expression, while also asserting the common priorities that all persons seek and treasure.

An exciting schedule of programs and events are accompanying the I AM exhibition at each venue to stimulate discussion, dialogue and education, promoting further understanding.