Local photographer David Glasofer examines a sculpture in the Nails in the Wall exhibit called “Revelation/Revolution.” PHOTO COURTESY OF NAILS IN THE WALL METUCHEN — Nails in the Wall, the Gallery at St. Luke’s, will conclude its current exhibition, “Revelation/Revolution,” with the screening of “Love Is A Verb,” an award-winning documentary about the work of the Muslim Imam Fethullah Gülen.
The event, featuring a screening of the 55-minute film and a follow-up discussion, is set for 6:30-8 p.m. on May 31 at the gallery, 17 Oak Ave., Metuchen.
The post-film discussion will be led by several members of the local Turkish-Muslim community, Peace Islands Institute, a group founded in the spirit of Gülen.
“We feel that being able to show this film creates a real finale to this exhibit,” said Florence Tracy Babous, a member of the gallery board. “And we are delighted that members of Peace Islands can participate actively in this with us.”
Written, directed and produced by Terry Spencer Hesser, the film explores the vision of the Turkish Islamic scholar, who teaches that the Muslim community has a duty of service — or “hizmet” in Turkish — to the “common good” of the community and nation, as well as to Muslims and non-Muslims all over the world.
With the international exhibit focusing on the way God’s word in all religious traditions (“Revelation”) calls one to interior change (“Revolution”), the film fits well into the spirit of the exhibit.
“Love Is A Verb” has received recognition as Best Documentary at the Maryland International Film Festival 2014; Best Documentary Feature, Cincinnati Film Festival 2014; and the Audience Award, Documentary, Miami International Film Festival, 2014.
Gallery representatives pointed out the timeliness of featuring Gülen’s work, as he recently received the 2015 Gandhi King Ikeda Peace Award, a prestigious peace award in recognition of his “lifelong dedication to promoting peace and human rights” at Atlanta’s Morehouse College, sharing the award with previous recipients the likes of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Michael Gorbachev and Rosa Parks.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Gallery Director Linda LaStella at 732-322-6512 or [email protected].