You're invited to join fellow art lovers and supporters of The Asian-American Writers' Workshop for a private tour of three prominent West Chelsea galleries whose prestigious September exhibits feature contemporary Asian artists. The directors of each gallery (which have branches in Beijing, Seoul, or both) will give brief talks and answer questions; guests will have ample opportunity to browse the exhibits. Beer and wine will be provided.

6-6:30 p.m. James Cohan 533 West 26th Street
Xu Zhen, "Lonely Miracle: Middle East Contemporary Art"

Conceptual artist Xu Zhen of Shanghai challenges Western expectations of foreign art by presenting trickster paintings, sculptures, and installations from "Middle Eastern artists."

6:30-7 p.m. Gana Gallery 568 West 25th Street
Seung-Woo Back, "Revised Ideals"

Photographer Seung-Woo Back of London and Seoul manipulates the works in two series -- "Blow Up," originals taken in North Korea, and "Utopia," official propaganda images -- in his quietly disturbing study of politics and aesthetics.

7-7:30 p.m. Arario Gallery 521 West 25th Street
Osang Gwon, "Deodorant Type"

Sculptor Osang Gwon of Seoul questions the construct of identity by creating larger-than-life figures covered with thousands of color photographs of his subjects.

Please note that we will be starting at James Cohan Gallery (and not at The Asian American Writers' Workshop), but guests may join us at any time in the tour by referring to the above schedule. All galleries are located between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues.

Proceeds from this event will support The Asian American Writers' Workshop, a national not-for-profit arts organization devoted to the creating, publishing, developing and disseminating of creative writing by Asian Americans.

General Ticket $10/Member Ticket $5
**SALES CLOSE OUT AT 4:30 PM**