Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Made in VA Biennial 2026

Prey from my Baroque series has been selected for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art’s Made in VA Biennial 2026 exhibit and is currently featured on the museum’s website. This is a true honor for me, especially that I received the following remarks from the museum’s senior curator, Heather Hakimzade, in her announcement email:

“This year, Made in VA received an unprecedented number of applications and reached our submission capacity for the first time in the exhibition’s history. The jury process was incredibly competitive, and your work stood out among an exceptionally strong group of submissions from artists across the Commonwealth.”

Opening reception: To be announced

Exhibit duration: September 11, 2026–March 21, 2027

About the selected piece:

Prey (mixed media on 30×24-inch wood panel) reflects on victims of immigration and individuals confined to predefined gender identities, trapped in the web of established institutions. The overly decorated trap is guarded by a green, half-spider, half-insect creature that depicts the intricate and often deceptive allure of oppressive systems while also symbolizing the pervasive nature of societal judgment.