A new exhibit at the Euphrat Museum of Art features works that aim to capture, express or spark moments of connection, joy or wonder. “Glimmers” takes its name from a psychobiological term used to describe these small moments that can help cue the nervous system to feel safe or calm.
“Glimmers” will be on view at the Euphrat, located at De Anza College, Oct. 22-Dec. 12. An artists reception with refreshments and live music is set for Saturday, Nov. 2, 1:30-3 p.m.
The exhibit features photos taken by Edwin Carungay in Oaxaca, Santa Cruz and San Francisco, as well as sculptures made by Cheryl Coon from hundreds of plastic zip-ties.
Kristen Lindseth’s “Sanctuaries for the Spirit” sculptures are inspired by Shinto shrines found throughout Japan and symbolize reverence and awe for the natural world. She created Takahashi Inari Shrine for her 95-year-old mother-in-law, who is a follower of Shinto and Zen Buddhism. In front of it is a miniature Chozuya, or water purification station, where one enters before proceeding to a shrine.
“I think of purification as a washing away of cares so that it is possible to be fully present,” Lindseth said.
In “Feel Seen,” artist Bushra Gill reflects on feeling simultaneously invisible and on display because of her headscarf and an obligation to always wear a smile to counteract the scarf’s otherness.
“Emigrating at a young age from Pakistan and feeling apart from everything compels me to think about connection, especially an underlying structure of everything around us that unites us to each other and to nature, time, and space,” Gill said.
Hadi Aghaee’s paintings feature 18th-century masterpieces of Persian architecture in Shiraz, Iran, where he grew up.
“Glimmers” also features work by muralist Carlos Rodriguez and a Dia de Los Muertos-inspired installation by Fernanda Luisa Esparza and Lydia Sanchez featuring hundreds of colorful Huichol/Wixarika pom poms that symbolize living in harmony with nature and all of creation.
The Euphrat Museum of Art is open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The museum will also be open during the flea market on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. First Thursday open mic nights are set for Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, 5:30-7 p.m. For more information, visit www.deanza.edu/euphrat/inthemuseum.
