Gallery opening of the week: 'I RAN Home' at the Fridge in Southeast Washington

In the Fridge group show "I RAN Home (in America)," featuring Iranian American artists expounding on Persian culture, economy and war, Pooneh Maghazehe's images of branded meat hang on the wall, not unlike sorry dinner choices at the local grocery.

On Saturday, the New York artist will perform the project live in the gallery, searing meat and other objects with the symbols of Islam and serving them to the crowd.

And for dessert? Gallery-goers will get a taste of bastani, Persian-style ice cream.

"Branding and Bastani" is the first in a series of events tied to "I RAN Home," which also features photos by Hadieh Shafie, who created tiny scrolls of text inspired by whirling dervishes, and reworked fashion objects by Eric Robert Parnes.

"Branding and Bastani" is Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. An Iran-themed youth poetry night is scheduled for Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Both events are free. A Persian music dance party is Nov. 21 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; $10 donation suggested. The Fridge, 516 Eighth St. SE, rear alley. 202-664-4151 or http://www.thefridgedc.com (Metro: Eastern Market). The exhibit continues through Nov. 29.

-- Lavanya Ramanathan