UWAM is excited to host visiting Michiko Itatani for a public art talk discussing her work, inspiration, and her processes. Itatani’s exhibition Infinite Hope/High Point Contact explores the ideas of human existence within the larger universe and conveys optimism for humanity in her large-scale paintings.

Michiko Itatani is a Chicago-based artist. In her youth, she studied literature and philosophy and wanted to become a fiction writer. Following her writing teacher's advice, she decided to do something she had never done before in a place she had never been before. She came to the U.S.A. in the early 1970s and studied visual art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She started to show her paintings and installation work in 1973 and she has been active in the field ever since. Itatani is a Professor Emeritus at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

In honor of Itatani’s exhibition, the University of Wyoming Art Museum has commissioned an original dance work from choreographers Aaron Wood (University of Wyoming) and Sarah Donohue (Utah Valley University), exploring the themes of human contact and understanding that resonate in Itatani’s series High-Point Contact. Paralleled Universe will feature duets by Wood and Donohue, as well as ensemble movements featuring UW dance students. Composer David Jacoby will create an original score.

The Art Museum will host a reception and Salvagio Artist Talk with Michiko Itatani on Thursday, March 30th. Performances of "Paralleld Universe" will happen in the museum galleries Friday evening, March 31st, and Saturday afternoon, April 1st. Performances are ticketed and space is limited.