#United States #Brooklyn #American Revolution #Meena Hasan #Old Stone House

Things Fall Apart: Meena Hasan at the Old Stone House

On May 2, 2025, Brooklyn will unveil a thought-provoking exhibition titled Things Fall Apart: Meena Hasan at the Old Stone House. This site-specific contemporary art installation, created by local artist Meena Hasan, draws inspiration from a fascinating connection between colonial histories in South Asia and North America. The exhibition will run through July 6, 2025, inviting visitors to engage with its rich tapestry of history, memory, and identity.

Historical Context
The Old Stone House museum, known for its role in the Battle of Brooklyn during the Revolutionary War, is a fitting venue for Hasan's installation. The battle, fought on August 27, 1776, was significant not only in American history but also resonates with the legacies of colonialism in other parts of the world. Notably, British commander Charles Cornwallis, who occupied this site, later defeated Tipu Sultan, a key figure in resisting British colonialism in India. By bringing these historical narratives into conversation, Hasan enables viewers to reflect on the complexities of colonial encounters and their lingering impacts.

Artistic Insight
In her series of paintings, Hasan engages with the conflicting nature of historical figures and events. She states, "As an artist, being able to play with, reimagine, and transfigure the terrors of our realities can bring the work meaning." Her approach to figures like Tipu Sultan—a man viewed both as a tyrant and a freedom fighter—embodies the dualities inherent in colonial narratives. Through her artwork, she challenges viewers to reconsider the often simplistic portrayals of historical events, thus highlighting the fragility and malleability of written histories.

For Hasan, the act of painting serves as both a personal and collective wrestling with the legacies of colonialism: "Painting them is a way for me to find my place within the legacies of colonialism in both South Asia and North America." This exploration is powerfully illustrated by her works that reference not just the colonial histories of Britain and its former colonies, but also the global repercussions of these interactions.

Exhibition Details
Visitors are encouraged to explore the immersive environment that Hasan has created at the Old Stone House. The installation is open to the public from Friday to Sunday, with hours from 12 PM to 4 PM. Private appointments are also available for those who wish for a more intimate experience with the art. To enhance engagement with the community, an opening reception is set for May 2, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM, offering guests a chance to meet the artist and explore her groundbreaking work.

Reflection and Engagement
Things Fall Apart serves as a reminder that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit; it is a medium through which difficult conversations can emerge. By highlighting the intertwined histories of colonialism across continents, Hasan's exhibition offers a critical lens through which to examine our collective past and its relevance to contemporary society. Visitors are invited to reflect on their own interpretations and reactions to the roles historical figures have played in shaping narratives, both in the past and present.

The Old Stone House is located at Washington Park, 336 Third St, Brooklyn, NY 11215. For additional information, you can visit theoldstonehouse.org/exhibitions. As we approach the opening date, it is an opportunity for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike to delve into a unique intersection of cultures and stories that have shaped our world today.