Control Anatomy by Mahmoud Alhaj.

September 2, 2024

SZ Gallery - Mercer Island, WA
06 September - 31 December 2024

SZ Gallery presents Control Anatomy, an exhibit curated in collaboration with the Zawyeh Gallery in Ramallah, Palestine. This solo exhibition by Palestinian artist Mahmoud Alhaj explores colonial violence and the architectural mechanisms of domination and control over Palestinian geography witnessed by Alhaj who was born in Gaza. The exhibit opens Friday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. during the Mercer Island First Friday Art Walk.

Akin to a forensic investigator, Alhaj meticulously gathers traces of evidence left by colonial strategies that have distorted the landscape and delineated control and domination. Through his artwork, he layers photographs taken over the years and compares them to uncover changes over time. He discovers evidence in the wall, sewage dumps, military barracks, watchtowers, streets, roundabouts, and borders. Through the examination of the oppressive tools employed in the ongoing genocide and atrocities committed in the Gaza Strip, Alhaj reveals how the instruments of violence and control have shaped the day-to-day lives of those living in Gaza and subjugated Palestinians for decades.

SKIN - The Exhibition.

June 30, 2020

Join us this First Friday, July 3rd, Noon - 3PM for an Outdoor Art Walk!

SZ Gallery features a display of talented photographers selected during PICHA’s annual call to artists. This year’s topical theme is SKIN. $100 from each sale of the SKIN collection will be donated to BLACK ARTISTS + DESIGN GUILD.

‘Apart from the roles we play in our communities and the traditions we've inherited from the past, what does it mean to be African today? Who are we once we are stripped of the expectations, the prejudices, and the assumptions? What makes us African?’

SZ Gallery has aired (IGTV + FB) an exclusive interview with PICHA Founder, Josiane Faubert. The beauty of this Virtual Art Opening is that you can watch it anytime, enjoy!

SKIN Exhibition: Virtual Art Opening - 04.03.2020

April 10, 2020

SZ Gallery features a display of talented photographers selected during PICHA’s annual call to artists. This year’s topical theme is SKIN.

Apart from the roles we play in our communities and the traditions we've inherited from the past, what does it mean to be an African today? Who are we once we are stripped of the expectations, the prejudices, and the assumptions? What makes us African?

First Friday, April 3 at 5PM: Virtual Art Opening of SKIN - The Exhibition. SZ Gallery will premiere (IGTV + FB) an exclusive interview with PICHA Founder, Josiane Faubert. Join us & meet the Artists!

The beauty of this Virtual Art Opening is that you can enjoy it anytime, enjoy!

Lisa Wellman: DETRITUS - Opening Night Event Photos

July 8, 2017

With a summer breeze in the air, we swung open our doors to welcome art, wine & food lovers during the Mercer Island First Friday Art Walk. Sen. Lisa Wellman's striking exhibit, DETRITUS, was warmly received with intrigue and accolades. To learn more about Wellman's creative inspiration, check out her one-on-one interview with Keith Imper of the Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA), filmed live just before our art opening.

In artistic compliment to Wellman's photography, Lisa Caruccio laid out an impressive culinary spread. In anticipation of Caruccio's - Culinary Event Center grand opening by end of August, we all enjoyed a taste of what's to come. Platters of seasonal bites welcomed revilers along with a local selection of Coach House Cellars wines, sponsored by Bell-Anderson Insurance.

What a wonderful way to kick-off the Mercer Island's Summer Celebration!

UPDATE: Since Lisa's art opening, SZ has incorporated one of her photos into a Corporate Interiors project. Can you tell where the architecture ends and the art begins?