New Exhibitions in University Art Gallery Explore Immigrant Experiences

Two new exhibitions that explore immigrant identity and experience by artists Priya Suresh Kambli and Nazanin Amiri Meers will open Oct. 19 in the University Art Gallery.

In the main gallery, “Devhara” features recent work by Kambli, professor of art. In her work, she aims to understand the formation and erasure of identity that is an inevitable part of the migrant experience, exploring the resulting fragmentation of family, identity, and culture. Kambli’s work mines an archive of family heirlooms, photographs and documents, while also creating new images – new documents – which are added to the collection.

In the Charlyn Gallery, “A Million Miles Away” by fibers artist Meers explores cross-cultural experiences of space by incorporating elements of Iranian architecture that reflect Islamic beliefs, including screens and abstract geometric patterning. Her work explores the concepts of privacy and quietude often emphasized in Islamic architecture, but overlooked in American building designs. Meers studied textile design and print in her home country of Iran and earned a masters of fine arts in fiber arts at the University of Kansas. “A Million Miles Away” is co-sponsored by Truman’s Global Issues Colloquium and Missouri Arts Council.

An in-person opening reception with refreshments will take place 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 19. As part of the Global issues Colloquium, Meers will give a virtual talk at 7 p.m. Oct. 21. Kambli will also give a virtual artist talk at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 9.

Exhibitions and events are free and open to the public. Masks are required for in-person events. For additional information and gallery hours visit gallery.arttruman.edu.