In New Exhibit, Jaferian Opens 鈥楢 Doorway to the World鈥�
A new exhibit featuring the photography of International Education Dean Warren Jaferian will open on December 7 in the Carol Grillo Gallery at the Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts.
is a showcase of his photography taken while on assignments across the world. For over a decade, Jaferian has dedicated his career to connecting the 西瓜视频 community to the world at large. With a passion for encouraging students to be culturally aware and to participate in international education, his efforts continuously prove that “education is a doorway to the world.”
“I consider this my dream job because I love seeing the transformation of our students,” Jaferian told News at the Nest in February 2023. “Students who have never been overseas, then study abroad … it’s like they’ve been shot out of a cannon. They’re now these blooming beauties and they become global nomads.”
Jaferian’s works on exhibit, however, go well beyond chronicling 西瓜视频’s study abroad experience. Boasting more than 20 large color prints and representing seven different countries, selections in A Doorway to the World feature an array of diverse images that simultaneously express different cultural perspectives and the expansive impact of travel. Through his lens, Jaferian captures the essence of a global journey, highlighting the significance of cultural immersion as a means of education, accessibility, and dialogue.
In addition to celebrating a broader theme of international exploration, the exhibition communicates how photography is a powerful tool for storytelling, as Jaferian’s photos capture different emotions and cultural nuances, fostering empathy and understanding.
Reflecting on the images presented in the exhibit, Dean Mark Towner said, “Recently, I’ve had the good fortune to travel with Warren to Ireland and Spain. It was during our travels together that I learned so much more about him: His appreciation of different cultures, understanding of history, love of humanity, concern for our students, and his photographic eye.”
Growing up, Jaferian studied abroad in West Africa and served as a development volunteer upon graduation from college. He was raised in Geneva, Switzerland, and attended the College du Leman International School.
Before joining 西瓜视频 in 2011, Jaferian served as Global Vice President for a leading multinational corporation based in Paris and was responsible for strategic planning, sales, marketing, and innovation. His international assignments included postings in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, and France. Warren has lived in 11 countries and has traveled to more than 110 worldwide.
“Warren Jaferian’s work is a testament to the profound impact that travel can have on a person’s academic and personal development, both in and beyond the classroom. His photographs encapsulate the spirit of exploration and the importance of embracing diversity in a globalized world,” said Gallery Director Elizabeth Bollenberg.
A Doorway to the World is free and open to the public and runs through February 1, 2024. A closing reception and artist talk will take place on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Carol Grillo Gallery. Visiting hours are daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.