Open Door Nineteen

The show highlights the diverse and inspiring talent of artists from across the region, offering a glimpse into the vibrant conversations happening in contemporary art today.

JUROR:  Syed Hosain

Syed Hosain explores unfixed histories, traditions, and constructions, of Middle- East geography and his identity through painting. Syed draws on real and imagined narratives of the present and past colonial histories. His paintings suggest complex networks, sprawling cities, or molecular structures, and within the clustered code of mark making, figurative associations emerge and recede. Process and material driven, Hosain builds up rich surfaces creating a tension between recognition and obliteration This compelling ambiguity in the work invites close examination and rewards continued observation.  

Syed teaches painting at Minneapolis College. His teaching philosophy is based on responsive instructional methodology including both global traditions and post-pandemic teaching strategies consistent with students' experiences, cultural perspectives, and developmental needs.  He believes in teaching with trauma-informed methods and spiritual ethics.

Hosain emphasizes the importance of embodied learning and interconnectedness. He believes in the power of art-making as a mechanism of liberation and empowerment.  He is committed to bringing culturally sustaining pedagogical practice and healing-centered engagement across school spaces here and in his native country of Pakistan. Hosain received a BA and an MA from University of Karachi and an MFA from Vermont college of fine arts.

Reflecting on the jurying process, Syed Hosain shared:
"It was my pleasure to jury Rosalux’s 19th annual Open Door exhibition. I was delighted and inspired by the incredible range of works submitted. While there is no single unifying theme, what connects these selected pieces is their collective evidence that art holds the power to heal, inspire, or simply provide a welcome diversion from the unpredictability of our world. Ultimately, I chose art that compelled me to look—and look again. I sought works that achieved a synthesis of aesthetic pleasure and intellectual engagement, recognizing those who pushed the boundaries of their practice while fostering a connection with the audience. This exhibition not only celebrates individual talent but also serves as a platform to engage with and serve a more diverse community of artists."

Featured Artists:

David Bowman, Nick Chatfield Taylor, CM Clemente, Carmel Dor, Emily Dzieweczynski, Christopher Eugene, Spencer Flores-Joles, Jenie Gao, Tess Gaulke, Russell Hamilton, Mary Johnson, Meher Khan, J. Myszka Lewis, Zach Leonard, Dan McAvey, S. Catrin Magnusson, Laura Migliorino, Steve Ozone, Isaiah Okongo, Jane Powers, Emily Quandahl, Howard Quednau, Abdul Rahim Hamid, Nina Martine Robinson, Gregory Rose, Peter Scheidt, Mehrdad Sedaghat, Grace Sippy, Holly Streekstra, Aidan Stromdahl, Anda Tanaka, Mai Tran, Emma Ulen-Klees, Eliza Unger, and Jake Zirbes.

Gallery Hours: 12-4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays