Minneapolis Review

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has announced a new exhibition titled "Mihrab: Portraits of Arab American Women," featuring the work of Minnesota-based artist Hend Al-Mansour. This exhibition, part of the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP), will be open to the public from July 19 to October 26, 2025, at Mia's U.S. Bank Gallery. Admission is free.

The exhibition consists of four installations and a video projection that focus on the lives of four Arab women from Minnesota with origins in Morocco, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine. These works are inspired by mihrabs—niches in mosques pointing toward Mecca—and explore themes of identity and faith.

Hend Al-Mansour conducted detailed interviews with her subjects to create immersive portraits using personal items and memories. The installations feature elements such as domes, arches, pillars, and geometric designs reminiscent of Islamic architecture. Through these artworks, Al-Mansour aims to highlight the contributions of Arab American women within both Islamic and American cultural contexts.

"This exhibition opens at a crucial moment," said Al-Mansour. "I interviewed Minnesota Arab women to gain entrance into their communities... What I uncovered through their voices is a shared tapestry of strength, belonging, and the often-unseen complexities of our lived experiences."

Nicole Soukup, MAEP supervisor, remarked on the significance of Al-Mansour's work: "Al-Mansour’s work thoughtfully challenges traditional representations and norms by reclaiming space for the stories and experiences of Arab American women... Her use of vibrant colors, traditional patterns, and religious elements celebrates the profound strength and spirituality."

An MAEP Artist Talk with Hend Al-Mansour is scheduled for September 7, 2025, at Mia’s Pillsbury Auditorium.

Exhibition details include:

- Title: “Mihrab: Portraits of Arab American Women”

- Dates: July 19–October 26, 2025

- Location: U.S. Bank Gallery at Mia

- Cost: Free

For more information about this exhibition or others at Mia, visit www.artsmia.org.

Hend Al-Mansour is an accomplished Saudi American artist who has exhibited internationally. She holds an MFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design and an MA in art history from the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul.

The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) is an artist-led initiative at Mia established in partnership with regional artists since 1975. It currently presents exhibitions in a dedicated gallery space supported by RBC Wealth Management.

Mia houses over 100,000 works spanning 5,000 years and offers free general admission.

For further inquiries or details about visiting Mia, call +1 612 870 3000 or visit www.artsmia.org.