Art museum to celebrate ‘Anila Quayyum Agha: Shadows and Splendor’ with Sept. 28 events

The South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University will celebrate the immersive exhibition of “Anila Quayyum Agha: Shadows and Splendor” with a day of programming on Saturday, Sept. 28. 

Agha will host a fine arts workshop on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. (registration required) and a free, public reception and artist talk from 5-7 p.m. 

Agha is internationally recognized for her award-winning, large-scale installations that use light, shadow and pattern to create inclusive, immersive and shared experiences. “Anila Quayyum Agha: Shadows and Splendor” features two sculptural works and several mixed-media pieces created by the Pakistani American artist. 

At the heart of this exhibition is a new version of “A Beautiful Despair,” shown for the first time at the South Dakota Art Museum. This large-scale sculpture is composed of ornate patterns inspired by Islamic art and architecture cut from a lacquered steel cube. 

Lit from within, “A Beautiful Despair” casts elaborate shadows that transform the surrounding gallery and the viewers, creating an immersive and inclusive space where people are visually in dialogue with the art and each other. According to Agha, she creates environments “in which all people, irrespective of race, color, creed or gender, feel welcome and can experience a space where they can be simultaneously mysterious yet intimate with strangers.” 

“Hosting Anila Quayyum Agha’s exhibition, ‘Shadows and Splendor,’ is a remarkable opportunity for our community to engage deeply with art that transcends boundaries,” South Dakota Art Museum Director Donna Merkt said. “Agha’s work invites us to experience the profound beauty of light and shadow while fostering inclusivity and connection. We are thrilled to welcome her to the South Dakota Art Museum and to offer our visitors a chance to make art and connect with her as well as one another.” 

For Agha’s Sept. 28 visit to the museum, the morning will begin with an artist-led workshop (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) where participants can make their own miniature lighted cube. This workshop will combine many of Agha’s artistic approaches including collage, textiles and light. Participants will be guided through decorating a cube, cutting away patterns and installing the light. 

The tuition (including all supplies) for this workshop is $50 ($10 discount for museum members, $5 discount for SDSU community, participants ages 17-21 may be eligible for scholarship). This workshop is open to those 17 and older, as this artmaking opportunity requires the use of sharp tools. Registration is required, and attendees may secure their spot at the South Dakota Art Museum store website. Call the museum for questions and the discount codes: 605-688-5423. 

In the evening, a free, public reception will be held at 5 p.m. with light refreshments. At 6 p.m., visitors will be welcomed to the museum’s lower-level auditorium for Agha’s artist talk. 

This exhibition and corresponding programs are possible through the generosity of Pamela and Merritt Warren; the Bill and Rita Larson Endowment for Education Excellence; the Fantle Endowment; Dorothy and Jim Morgan; and Susan and Curt Wischmeier.    

“Shadows and Splendor” is open for viewing through Nov. 3 during museum business hours (Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.). Admission to the museum and exhibition is free for all. The museum will be open extended hours from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sept. 28 for the public to view the exhibition. 

The South Dakota Art Museum is located at 1036 Medary Ave. in Brookings. Visitor parking is also free in the museum’s reserved lot just west of the museum on Harvey Dunn Street. For more information, visit the museum's website or call the museum at 605-688-5423.