"Coming To America, A Nation of Immigrants"

Location:

Niza Knoll Gallery
915 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, Colorado 80204
USA
View Map

Gallerist and artist Niza Knoll is not one to shy away from important topics. Previous shows at her gallery over the last 15 years have addressed politics, the pandemic and AI. For "Coming to America, A Nation of Immigrants" she invited a group of local artists to create work that presents the tapestry of individuals from around the world who have made up the United States since its founding. The intention of the show is not to convey a particular stance toward the current immigration issues or cut through any nuance but is an artistic exploration meant to provide perspective and initiate discussion. With a fitting opening date of First Friday July 4, the show runs through August 24 with a public Artist Reception scheduled for Friday, July 18, 5 – 8 p.m. The show is also on view during regular gallery hours as listed below.

The focal point of the show is a powerful installation of clay busts created by different artists—each created with an individual style, shape, size and color. They are displayed in lines on the gallery floor, moving toward a large clay obelisk by artist Peter Durst featuring the Statue of Liberty. The exhibition also features paintings, collages and other wall art that further demonstrates the history of immigrants who help build the country under all manner of conditions, whether by choice, forced displacement or through enslavement.

The theme of the show is personal for Knoll, having immigrated at nine years old with her family from Europe to Canada, then to New York City. She understands the challenges of adapting and assimilating to life in a new country.

Participating artists include Sara Behling, Judith Bergquist, Peter Durst, Victoria Eubanks, Karen Gregory, Niza Knoll, Lamecia Landrum, Leona Lazar, Gayla Lemke, Charles Luna, Aliki McCain, Kristi Melodia, Lisa Michot, Georgianne Rollman, Janey Skeer and Carol Warzel. All works, including individual busts from the installation, will be available to purchase.