GRAND FORKS – The Public Arts Commission is hosting an opening reception for the Topophobia exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Alerus Center Art Gallery.
The event is free and open to the public; enter through door 6, the entrance closest to the exhibit.
Featuring artwork by Mika Hadji-Sheikh, the exhibit “promises to challenge perceptions and ignite introspection,” said Vicky Arndt, who curated the show for the Public Arts Commission.
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In creating the artwork for the Topophobia exhibit, Hadji-Sheikh “delves into the realm of fear and anxiety associated with specific places or spaces,” Arndt said. “Whether it is a fear of heights, enclosed spaces or open spaces, topophobia manifests itself in various forms, all stemming from a feeling of vulnerability or discomfort in a particular environment.
Haji-Sheikh’s work “dives deeply into this concept, drawing viewers into a visual exploration of claustrophobia through circular borders, dynamic color schemes and a complex play between positive and negative space,” said Arndt. The sculptures, “characterized by their aggressive yet compelling aesthetics, prioritize aesthetic value over utility, offering viewers a modern sensory experience that challenges conventional forms.”
Haji-Sheikh’s art also explores the complexities of gender, culture and the human experience, Arndt said. Through technical experimentation and conceptual depth, Haji-Sheikh “brings (the) sculptures to life, inviting viewers to engage with the intricacies of identity, social constructions, and personal narratives.”
The artist takes viewers “on a journey of discovery that pushes us to come face to face with the complexity of the human condition,” Arndt said.
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A newcomer to the Grand Forks art community, Haji-Sheikh earned a BA in Art Education and a BA in Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Las Vegas and was appointed Director of Education and Rural Arts at the North Dakota Museum of Art on the UND Campus .
The exhibit, which features 15 wall-hung and somewhat three-dimensional sculptures using various needlepoint techniques, will be on display through December, said Haji-Sheikh, a native of Arlington, Texas.
For more information, visit the Public Arts Commission website or email [email protected].
