Based in San Francisco and Istanbul respectively, curators Duygu and Bengü Gün were inspired by their family history with migration and interest in music as a connecting force. Sounds Like Home: Longing and Comfort through Lullabies not only questions how cultural memory is preserved and transmitted through simple melodic messages from childhood, but also challenges the way lullabies, family stories and fairy tales transmit gender roles and cultural norms while affirming that culture is dynamic.

By bringing together artists and researchers from around the world, Sounds Like Home: Longing and Comfort through Lullabies asks, “Is there a connection between lullabies across languages and cultures? How does the way we exchange these messages change over time?”

For this exhibition, we offer a virtual gallery and artist videos for viewing. These virtual experiences were produced by SOMArts to give you an in-depth look at the exhibition.

This event is sponsored by
SAHA
Diaspora Arts Connection
Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies at SF State University
Center for Middle Eastern Studies at University of California Berkeley
UC Davis Department of Comparative Literature and Program in the Middle East / South Asia Studies
Silicon Valley Bank

Sounds Like Home: Virtual opening reception
Thursday, July 15, 6–8 PM PST

This virtual opening reception brings artists, curators, and musicians together deep into the world of lullabies. Featuring a curator and artist discussion followed by musical performances, this virtual opening reception brings artists, musicians, and guests into the world of lullabies.

Panelists
Rashin Fahandej
Ceyda Oskay
Hannah Reyes Morales

Moderator
Bengü Gün

With Music by
Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat
Khatchadour Khatchadourian