Artist Reception & Gallery Talk: Thurs. Sept. 29, 5–7pm
(Talk begins at 6pm)
*Catered, Free, and Open to Public*
1st Floor, Liberal Arts Building, MSUB Campus

Nlshiki

Word Terminal is a group of sensitively-layered mixed-media paintings and delicately-arranged paper sculptural installations by Idaho-based artist Nishiki Sugawara-Beda. Collectively, these works reflect upon the intimate, complex relationships between written language and visual image.

Informed by personal experiences and experimentation with the traditional materials and forms of Japanese calligraphy, Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting), and printed seals, Sugawara-Beda’s exhibition offers a cross-cultural invitation to explore the intellectual and embodied dimensions of reading text and image. 
 

Nishiki Sugawara-Beda immigrated from Japan to the US as a young adult and has exhibited her artwork nationally and internationally. She received a BA from Portland State University and MFA in Painting from Indiana University (2010). She is currently Assistant Professor of Art at University of Idaho. 

Sugawara-Beda's exhibition is supported by Idaho Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the artist visit: www.nishikibeda.com

The Northcutt Steele Gallery is located on the 1st floor of the Liberal Arts Building on MSUB campus. The gallery is open Monday – Friday from 8am-4pm, and by appointment.


Visit Northcutt Steele Gallery facebook page
 
For media inquiries and images contact Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, Director of Northcutt Steele Gallery,  leanne.gilbertson@msubillings.edu; (406) 657-2903.

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Nishiki Sugawara-Beda, Inaugural II, Sumi ink and acrylic on paper mounted on wood, 22 x 30 in., 2016. © Nishiki Sugawara-Beda.

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Nishiki Sugawara-Beda, detail of Kotodama Converse, rice paper, calligraphy Chinese ink, mesh wire, fishing line, dimensions variable, 2015. © Nishiki Sugawara-Beda.

The suspended paper sculptural installation in the exhibition, Kotodama Converse (detail above), takes the domed form of a group of floating, printed Mobius strips into which the viewer physically enters, figuratively completing the artwork by moving through it. Sugawara-Beda views the installation as an artwork in its own right while also providing a contemplative entrance point for viewing the subtleties of her calligraphic and Sumi-e inspired paintings.