Public Arts Commission to host opening reception Thursday at Alerus Center art gallery
Apr. 10—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 Micah Haji-Sheikh, the exhibit "promises to challenge perceptions and ignite introspection," said Vickie Arndt, who curated the show for the Public Arts Commission.
In creating artwork for the "Topophobia" exhibition, Haji-Sheikh "delves into the realm of fear and anxiety associated with specific places or spaces," Arndt said. "Whether it's the fear of height, confined spaces or open areas, topophobia manifests in various forms, all stemming from a sense of vulnerability or discomfort in particular environments.
Haji-Sheikh's work "delves deep into this concept, drawing viewers into a visual exploration of claustrophobia through circular boundaries, dynamic color schemes, and intricate play between positive and negative space," Arndt said. The sculptures, "characterized by their aggressive yet captivating 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 "breathes life into (the) sculptures, inviting viewers to engage with the intricacies of identity, societal constructs, and personal narratives."
The artist leads viewers "on a journey of discovery, prompting us to confront the complexities of the human condition head-on," Arndt said.
A newcomer to the Grand Forks art community, Haji-Sheikh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in art education and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the University of Las Vegas and is employed as the education and rural arts director at the North Dakota Museum of Art on the UND campus.
The exhibit, which includes 15 sculptures that are all wall-hangings and are somewhat three-dimensional, 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 send an email to
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