Free Public Exhibition Opening: Azza El Siddique

Join Mattress Factory for the opening of a new solo exhibition from artist Azza el Siddique at 500 Sampsonia Way. Azza El Siddique’s inspiration for this exhibition was spurred when she came across the story of an archeological anomaly. In 1913, a team of archaeologists unearthed an extraordinary figure from the sands of present-day Sudan. They found the statue of Lady Sennuwy, an Egyptian noblewoman, which was carved nearly 4,000 years ago from hard, gray granodiorite. The sculpture had emerged from the ancient city of Kerma, one of Nubia’s largest archaeological sites. This 14-foot tall, 2,300-pound statue was originally carved in Egypt, likely residing in a tomb chapel, and had remarkably been transported over 1,000 miles south almost 300 years after its creation. El Siddique’s installation finds its inspiration in this historical migration. Reflecting on her own journey as an immigrant and the experiences of other immigrant women, she became fascinated by Lady Sennuwy’s mysterious relocation. Discovering that the statue had been digitally scanned and its 3D file available as open source, El Siddique meticulously recreated it using robotic milling techniques. In collaboration with Manchester Craftsman’s Guild, El Siddique created ceramic reproductions, which are placed throughout the installation amidst an imposing steel structure. The inclusion of water, scent, and video elements further enhances the experience, creating a contemplative space where the visible and invisible, the enduring and the ephemeral, coexist. Through this installation, El Siddique invites us to explore the complexities of displacement, memory, and the passage of time. El Siddique was chosen to exhibit at Mattress Factory through an International Open Call, guided by a panel of alumni artists, including Vanessa German, Sohrab Kashani, Christopher Meerdo, and Sarah Oppenheimer. Embracing the museum's philosophy of curatorial inclusivity and collaboration, this approach invites alumni to shape the exhibition landscape based on their unique perspectives and experiences.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2548640-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2548640-2

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