Brief Artist Statement by Lara Asam as part of a 2021 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Thresholds” in the Cora Stafford Gallery on the campus of the University of North Texas on April 12-22, 2021.

This research project studies ways that space shapes identity by examining a contemporary sculpture using a multicultural theory. The author focuses on analyzing the role of physical space in the construction of cultural identity across time by studying Mariana Castillo-Deball’s No Solid Form Can Contain You (2010) through Gloria Anzaldua’s Nepantilism theory.

Works of art on image transfer onto concrete, ratchet straps by artist Kaitlin West.

Works of art on image transfer onto concrete, ratchet straps by artist Kaitlin West.

Image of installation view of 2023 MFA exhibition by artist Atinuke Adeleke, entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts. The exhibition includes four sectors. The first is a bed with a floating headboard accompanied by projected imagery and sound. A performance takes place upon the bed. The second is a table with three accompanying wall-mounted pieces that connect to the table through symbolism. The third is a sculptural wooden diptych and the final sector is comprised of accessories.

Works of art on Maple wood, Copper wire, Copper Sheet, 3D printed wood PLA, Electroplated Copper, Tiger eye cabochon, and Wood dye by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Wood (Maple plywood), Wood Dye, Recycled cotton yarn, and tufting cloth by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts. The exhibition includes four sectors. The first is a bed with a floating headboard accompanied by projected imagery and sound. A performance takes place upon the bed. The second is a table with three accompanying wall-mounted pieces that connect to the table through symbolism. The third is a sculptural wooden diptych and the final sector is comprised of accessories.

Works of art in Wood (MDF), Metal (Pewter), Wood Dye, Recycled cotton yarn, and Backing cloth by artist Atinuke Adeleke, as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art in Custom printed fabric, Wood (MDF), Clear Acrylic sheet, Acrylic Rods, Pewter, LED lights, by artist Atinuke Adeleke, as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

(Headboard) Works of art in Maple Plywood, Artist's own Aso Oke fabric, Furniture fabric by "Perennials Fabrics," Embroidery floss, Maple Plywood, Wood PLA, Metal (Pewter) Medium (Bed) – Projected Works of art, selection of artist's personal video and audio memories from Nigeria and the United States; inflatable mattress, collapsible bed frame, and Khaki bed sheets. these pieces were part of a 2023 MFA exhibition, entitled "Asepo" by Atinuke Adeleke, in the North Cora Stafford Gallery, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art and selection of artist's personal video and audio memories from Nigeria and the United States, inflatable mattress, collapsible bed frame, khaki bed sheets, by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023.Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Maple Plywood, Aso Oke fabric, Furniture fabric by "Perennials Fabrics, Embroidery floss, and Wood PLA, Metal (Pewter) by artist Atinuke Adeleke as as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023.Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Birch plywood, Wood print, 3d printed Wood PLA, electroplated copper, Wood stain, Wood Dye, by artist Atinuke Adeleke by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Site-Specific installation view of 2023 MFA exhibition by artist Sarah DePetris, entitled "Stones & Ghosts (Part I)" in the Union Art Gallery, University Union, University of North Texas, from March 27 - April 6, 2023. Made with production, design, fabrication & installation collaboration from artist Hugh Thompson. Photograph by Stephanie Gerhart.

Works of art in Acrylic print, by artist Atinuke Adeleke, as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX, from April 19 to April 22, 2023.Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement, and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Birch plywood, Wood print, 3d printed Wood PLA, electroplated copper, Wood stain, and Wood Dye by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

Works of art on Birch plywood, Wood print, 3d printed Wood PLA, electroplated copper, Wood stain, Wood Dye, by artist Atinuke Adeleke by artist Atinuke Adeleke as part of a 2023 MFA exhibition entitled "Asepo" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery. 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 19 to April 22, 2023. Asepo is a simulated domestic space that speaks to being a product of the hybridization of cultures, the sense of displacement and the need for belonging that comes with being a hybrid of sorts.

My artistic practice centers around personal history, connection, and identity. I reflect on my experience as a Nigerian who has lived on three continents thus far, and how those experiences have led to the deconstruction, reassembly, and hybridization of my identity. My work pays homage to my tribe of origin, Yoruba, whilst redefining and exploring the hybridity that exists as a result of cross-cultural influences that are prominent in our world today. I incorporate varying objects and materials such as jewelry, sculpture, wood, metal, and fiber. This integration speaks to the multicultural existence of the world I live in the interrelationship between Nigeria and the West.

Installation view of MFA Thesis exhibition by artist Sarah DePetris, entitled "Stones & Ghosts (Part I)" in the Union Art Gallery, University Union, University of North Texas, from March 27 - April 6, 2023. Digital photo, photographed by Stephanie Gerhart.

Installation View of an MFA exhibition by artist Sarah DePetris, entitled " Rainbows, Stones & Ghosts (Part II)" in the Cora Stafford Gallery (South), College of Visual Arts & Design, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, from April 5-8, 2023. Photographed by Stephanie Gerhart.

Installation View of an MFA exhibition by artist Sarah DePetris, entitled " Rainbows, Stones & Ghosts (Part II)" in the Cora Stafford Gallery (South), College of Visual Arts & Design, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, from April 5-8, 2023. Photographed by Stephanie Gerhart.

Art work in Acrylic Gesso & Graphite on Paper by artist Sarah DePetris, as part of an exhibition entitled "Stones & Ghosts (Part I)" in the Union Art Gallery, University Union, University of North Texas, from March 27 - April 6, 2023. Photographed by Stephanie Gerhart.

Installation View of an MFA exhibition by artist Sarah DePetris, entitled " Rainbows, Stones & Ghosts (Part II)" in the Cora Stafford Gallery (South), College of Visual Arts & Design, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, from April 5-8, 2023. Photographed by Stephanie Gerhart.