Erika NJ Allen Opens New Solo, This is Not a Banana Republic
Guatemalan-born and Cincinnati-based artist Erika NJ Allen (MFA Ceramics 2023) will open a new solo exhibition, This is Not a Banana Republic—A Manifesto of Empire Domination, the Immigration Experience, and Empathy, at Weston Gallery on June 20, 2025. Allen creates immersive mixed-media installations exploring her journey and the broader immigrant experience. The exhibition includes clay sculptures and photographic works with the banana as a metaphor for the artist’s struggle and the war against the immigrant experience.
Allen created a clay sculpture installation exploring these themes for the 2023 Graduate Degree Exhibition of Cranbrook Academy of Art.
This is Not a Banana Republic will be on view from June 20, 2025, through August 24, 2025. An opening reception takes place on Friday, June 20, from 6 to 8pm. Allen will give an artist talk at Weston Art Gallery on Tuesday, June 24, at 7pm.
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