Percy Bartelt, opinions editor

Our galleries on campus have housed many different stories across their history. As of Aug. 28, new voices are being showcased in them from the Soomaal Visual Arts Fellowship with the Soomaal House of Art, a Somali artist collective based in Minnesota. The fellowship is in partnership with Augsburg’s Art Galleries and the Soomaal House of Art website explained, “The artists considered for these fellowships work in a variety of visual art media, including both traditional and new media. During the twelve-month fellowship year, each artist receives studio visits, access to technical assistance and a culminating gallery exhibition at Augsburg University.” The two chosen fellows are Wasima Farah, whose art you can find in the Gage Gallery, as well as Mohamed Hersi, whose art you can find in the Christensen Gallery. 

Starting with Wasima Farah’s work in the Gage Gallery, her installation is titled “Growing Pains II: Expected Disappointments,” already a powerful title! I was hooked after reading the very first line, the thesis for her works of art.  As explained in the gallery pamphlet, “Farah delves into the complex dynamics of the relationship between a mother and eldest daughter, exploring themes of generational trauma, emotional legacies, and communication gaps.” Incredibly moving right away. 

After walking into the installation itself, it immediately surrounds you in low light and quiet, meditative music. The related artworks on the walls were very moving, and the way the entire room is tied together was very cool! Reading further on her artist statement, Farah explains that this installation, which is a sequel to another piece she did, includes a unique video portion for the audience which is also tied to the paintings. The entire installation centers around the color red, which Farah states is tied to the feeling of anger and wisdom. She intends for this to “encourage an open dialogue about hurt and healing, offering space to express emotions and begin breaking the cycle of pain.” Farah’s work is truly admirable, incredible and inspiring. 

Next is Mohamed Hersi’s work in the Christensen Gallery. His installation is titled “Tides of Tribulations: A Journey Through Solace,” a very visual title! Prior to its opening, Hersi’s artwork was already catching the eyes of every passerby, his unique style of minimalism and abstract expressionism is amazing to see in person! In Hersi’s artist statement, he writes about wanting to “explore emotional states of being that shape both the present moments and fleeting memories of our human experience. From joy and hope to confusion and grief, […] to reflect on what we currently home and embrace, and what we will perhaps always be sifting through.” A wonderful explanation of this installment. Even just looking at his artwork, you can feel the emotions of his intent, and the abstraction of his pieces are very intrinsic to the eye. 

You can find both installations here on campus at the Gage Gallery in Oren Gateway Center and in the Christensen Gallery in Christensen Center next to Einstein’s. I highly recommend attending these galleries or even simply walking by them to marvel at the works these artists created, studied and had the power to show to the public. It is truly admirable to see new stories grace our campus through the methods of art.