Opening Reception: Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 6–9pm | Free & Open to the public

Speak explores the form and notion of home, using patterns and motifs from Persian and South Asian miniature painting. The title references a poem by Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz written in 1979 against the dictatorial regime of General Zia-ul-Haq. The first line, "Speak, for your lips are free," has become a universal anthem of protest after singer Iqbal Bano performed it in 1986.

Part of 50/50, 50 feminist actions to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NAEA Women’s Caucus (WC), this exhibition celebrates the work of Nida Bangash in solidarity with the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. Curated by Julie Usha Libersat, WC exhibition coordinator; and Adetty Pérez de Miles and Kevin Jenkins, WC past co-presidents (2022-2024). 

About Nida Bangash

Nida Bangash is a visual artist, born in Iran and brought up in Pakistan. She is trained in the traditions of Persian and South Asian miniatures. She earned a BFA and MFA from the National College of Art in Lahore, Pakistan, where she later served as assistant professor and program coordinator of the MA in Visual Arts. Bangash moved to the United States and completed a second MFA from Southern Methodist University in 2019. She has exhibited nationally and internationally including shows at the Crow Collection of Asian Art, The Reading Room Dallas, National Art Gallery in Islamabad, and the Kent Gallery in Florida State College. She currently teaches painting as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Texas and serves as the curator of the Heard Museum in McKinney, TX. Bangash is represented by Talley Dunn Gallery in Dallas, TX.