UPDATED: Penn travelers are strongly advised to defer travel to and transit through the Middle East region until further notice. This is based on current advice from the U.S. Department of State and International SOS, Penn’s private travel assistance provider, as well as the increased risk related to military operations, airspace closures, and general travel disruption. Penn-affiliated undergraduate travel to the Middle East is currently prohibited until May 15, 2026, at which time this stance will be reassessed. Travelers currently in the region are advised to shelter in place as needed and remain in contact with Penn officials. All other travelers are advised to reconsider traveling to the region. If you have upcoming Penn-affiliated travel planned to the region, please contact travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu for guidance. As a reminder, faculty, staff, and students are required to register all Penn-affiliated international travel in MyTrips. Events can change quickly so please use the link below for continuing updates.
Photographer and filmmaker Sherin Neshat is celebrated for her technique of overlaying black and white photographic portraits with Farsi text, meticulously written in tiny calligraphy and drawn from the ancient Persian book of epic poems “Shabnameh” as well as contemporary Iranian poetry. This portrait comes from Neshat’s “Book of Kings” series. It is one of several contemporary artworks donated to the Penn Art Collection by Richard and Lisa Perry that hang in Perry World House.
