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Writer's pictureRosalux

Power Play Comes To Rosalux In June

Power Play will feature new works from Rosalux artist Avigail Manneberg. The exhibition will open June 8th and run through June 30th with and opening reception on Saturday, June 8th from 7-10 PM.

Power Play, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 18 inches

Power Play - Artist Statement / Avigail Manneberg


In my work, I process current personal and political events. I think about the destruction of home at various scales – destruction of households, destruction of homelands, and destruction of relationships. Destruction breeds turmoil and crisis; it scrambles individuals’ and communities’ sense of identity.  

These events ignited a deep introspection into the ways power is perceived and wielded, whether in intimate relationships or on a global scale. I explore the relationship between power dynamics and destruction and search for growth.


I am inspired by Meir Goldberg’s lyrics. In particular, Empires Slowly Fall. This poem speaks to the gap between historical events and everyday life at home. 

Lady Butler’s painting Scotland Forever! from 1881 was a solid reference for this work. 





Empires Slowly Fall


Boy is doing his history 

homework in the living room

He doesn't hear the doorbell ring

Just as Athens invades Troy

Dad walks in with a box of cookies and a newspaper


Mom whispers secrets in dad’s ear

Boy can hear a few of her words

Alexander The Great now rules half of the continent

Dad says that half the paycheck is gone


And within the pages of the time that was lost

People vanish in a single moment

And Empires fall slowly


Everything will be fine, Dad reassures

Mom replies with a smile

The empire soldier has reached the end of the continent

Boy falls asleep and dreams of old battles 


אימפריות נופלות לאט


ילד מכין בסלון שעורים בהיסטוריה

הוא לא שומע צלצול פעמון

בה בשעה שאתונה פולשת לטרויה

אבא נכנס עם קופסת עוגיות ועיתון


אמא לאבא סודות על האוזן לוחשת

ילד שומע קטעים בשיחה

לאלכסנדר מוקדון יש את חצי היבשת

אבא אומר שחצי המשכורת הלכה


ובתוך הדפים של הזמן שאבד

אנשים נגמרים ברגע אחד

אימפריות נופלות לאט


כל הדברים יסתדרו כך אבא מרגיע

אמא עכשיו משיבה בחיוך

חייל האימפריה אל קצה היבשת מגיע

ילד נרדם וחולם על קרבות שהיו




Power Play, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 inches

Avigail Manneberg is a Minneapolis-based artist and educator. Avigail received her MFA from the University of Minnesota. Since then she has been teaching studio arts at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She lived in Berlin supported by DAAD, (German Academic Exchange Service) art fellowships, where she was affiliated with the University of the Arts (UdK). She has exhibited her work at galleries, universities, and museums in the USA and internationally, including in Finland, Berlin, Cyprus, Beijing, and Israel. Avigail is the recipient of numerous Minnesota State Arts Board grants and the University of Minnesota's 2018 Human Rights Initiative Grant.

 

Inquiries Information: Contact info for inquiries: avigailman@gmail.com


Rosalux Gallery hours are 12-4 PM Saturday and Sunday and the gallery is located at 315 W 48th Street in Minneapolis. Rosalux is always free and open to the public.

 

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