The Remoir Project Art Reception at the ISU Memorial Union
The Memorial Union Art Gallery is hosting an exhibit by Akwi Nji, an artist who specializes in creative personal narrative storytelling across artistic mediums. The show is titled The Remoir Project and the work honors the intersection of “remnant” and “memoir.”
A Reception and Remnant Gathering will be held on Wednesday, October 5 from 6-8pm where visitors can see the artwork, meet the artist, and if they choose, be part of future artwork in The Remoir Project by bringing a piece of fabric or a garment to give to Akwi.
Donated fabric is transformed into art that is a visual representation of the memory or story that is shared by the donor. Exploring lineage, maternal relationships, and the lessons we pass between grandmothers, mothers, and daughters, this ongoing project will include stories from all US states and territories by July 2025, the US Semiquincentennial.
Akwi was born in Iowa City and raised in Cameroon, Africa. Her art explores race, gender, Black history as American history, and the parallels of current social issues with their historical counterparts. She has served as an arts ambassador in multiple roles including as founding executive director of The Hook, an Iowa Arts Council board member, producer of nearly 100 events in recent years, and advisor of Arts Midwest initiatives.
The exhibit is on display through October 9, 2022, and viewing hours are Monday-Friday from 11am-4pm and Sunday from 1-4pm.
The Iowa State Memorial Union is located at 2229 Lincoln Way in Ames on the ISU campus, and paid parking is available in the ramp adjacent to the building. The Art Gallery is located on the 1st floor and has free admission. For more information visit www.mu.iastate.edu/exhibits and www.akwinji.com.
