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Optogenetics: Controlled by Light

4.12.24
Organized and curated by Blessing Greer Mathurin
Janeth Aparcio
Nelli Astvatsatrian
Diego Borgsdorf Fuenzalida
Jester Bulnes
Zekkereya El-magharbel
Leeban Farah
Marcel Monroy
Jabari Wimbley
Salim Green
Dakota Higgins


The intention of this exhibition is to bring focus to the visual and cultural narratives that shape artists’ visual identities. Histories continuously breathe through the creative act, distorting the relationship of the present, past, and future. Artworks mark a convergence of these realities, existing not merely as physical presences but as living embodiments of elements of cultures. The artist, as a facilitator within the cultural archive, emphasizes their role in enriching and perpetuating the vitality of legacy in both themselves and their work, becoming references and proponents of living cultures as they manipulate light conversely.  -Blessing Greer Mathurin 

Leeban Farah
Macaan; Hargeisa, Somaliland
2023
Framed C-print under museum glass.
18 x 24 inches

Leeban Farah
Bacadle; Hargeisa, Somaliland
2023
Framed C-print under museum glass.
18 x 24 inches


Leeban Farah
Jacayl; Hargeisa, Somaliland
2023
Framed C-print under museum glass.
18 x 24 inches

(Left)
Dakota Higgins
Study
2023
Image transfers on drop cloth.
54 x 54 inches

(Right)
Diego Borgsdorf Fuenzalida
Cerro Lonquén
2024
Cotton, wool, terra cotta, copper, non-human collaborators (chia seeds, agents of decay).
20 x 20 inches

(Bottom row left to right)

Zekkereye El-magharbel
Tsunami 
2024
Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
12in x 18 inches

Zekkereya El-magharbel
Camp
2024
Watercolor on watercolor paper.
12 x 18 inches

Zekkereye El-magharbel
Ants
2024
Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
12in x 18 inches

Diego Borgsdorf Fuenzalida
Delirios de Limpieza
2024
Cotton, wool, lavender, dried flowers.
8 x 9 inches

(Bottom row left to right)
Jester Bulnes
LAS CUCARACHITAS (2 of 10)
Glazed stoneware.
12 x 6.5 inches

Jester Bulnes
LAS CUCARACHITAS (3 of 10)
Glazed stoneware.
12 x 6.5 inches

Jester Bulnes
LAS CUCARACHITAS (5 of 10)
Glazed stoneware.
12 x 6.5 inches

Janeth Apercio
Studies for Operation Jericho: Calendar, 2024
Archival Blue Ink Print
5 x 7 inches

Janeth Apercio
Studies for Operation Jericho: Document
2024
Archival Blue Ink Print
10 x 13 inches

Nelli Astvastrian
Orthodox Cross 1
2024
Ceramic.
8x5 inches

Janeth Apercio
Studies for Operation Jericho: Alameda St. (Alameda Swap Meet), 2024
Blue Ballpoint ink illustration.
12 x 18.5 inches

Salim Green
Tourist
2021
Parking meter, braiding hair, fan, burlap, glue.
Approx. 25 x 41 x 41 inches.

Dakota Higgins
Impression of an Artist’s Ladder (Vrymoed)
2023
Pigmented silicone.


Jabari Wimbley
Quilt I
2024
Cotton, natural dye, wax thread, delta airlines blanket.
36 x 36 inches

Salim Green
(Left)
Backyard
2023
Oil on felt on wood.
8.5 x 8.5 inches

(Right)
Frontyard
2023
Oil on felt on wood.
8.5 x 8.5 inches



Marcel Monroy
Gordo
2024
Glass, stoneware and plywood.
21 x 17.5 x 13.5 inches

Jester Bulnes
LAS CUCARACHITAS (7 of 10)
Glazed stoneware.
12 x 6.5 inches

(Left)
Jester Bulnes
y.a.f.m., y.f.t.o.b.,
2024
Archival inkjet print, sterling silver.
39 x 29 inches

(Right)
Jester Bulnes
Diva Constructed
2024
Archival inkjet print, sterling silver.
39 x 29 inches

(Left to right)

Nelli Astvastrian
We Are Eternal Like Our Mountains, 2024
Ceramic.
8x8 inches

Nelli Astvastrian
Caucasian Figure
2023
Cyanotype on fabric.
9x12 inches

Nelli Astvastrian
Mushkinaz
2024
Graphite on paper, found objects
18x24 inches

Nelli Astvastrian
Shepherdess
2024
Naturally dyed textile, ceramic, found object, synthetic hair.
18x20 inches

Nelli Astvastrian
Mother's Boots
2023
Ceramic.
12 x 3x 10 inches