Minneapolis Review

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) will present “Sopheap Pich: In the Presence Of,” an exhibition featuring four works by Cambodian-born artist Sopheap Pich. The show runs from October 25, 2025, to February 1, 2026, and highlights Pich’s use of materials such as rattan, metal wire, and burlap to create sculptures that reference Cambodian culture and history.

Pich is recognized for his ability to transform everyday materials into sculptures that evoke their subjects without direct representation. His work draws on memories from his childhood in Cambodia and his return as an adult, encouraging viewers to reflect on memory and history.

“Sopheap Pich’s stunning sculptures are meditations on place. Each is also embedded with allusions to the artist’s memories, as well as Cambodia’s history and present,” said Leslie Ureña, Associate Curator of Global Contemporary Art at Mia. “We are thrilled to share these works with the Twin Cities community.”

The exhibition coincides with Mia’s presentation of “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine,” a collaborative project with the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts in France and the National Museum of Cambodia. While “Royal Bronzes” focuses on historic Khmer Empire bronzes and ritual objects, Pich’s contemporary art offers a dialogue between traditional artistic practices and modern interpretations related to materiality and cultural legacy.

“Sopheap Pich’s sculptures resonate deeply with Cambodia’s artistic heritage,” said Katie Luber, Mia’s Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President. “Visitors can experience the enduring spirit of Cambodian creativity in both ancient bronze craftsmanship and Pich’s modern interpretation, revealing how history, culture, and memory continue to inspire artists today.”

As part of the programing around this exhibition, Sopheap Pich will give a lecture at Mia's Pillsbury Auditorium on January 8, 2026. Tickets for this event are free.

The exhibition will be held at Sit Investment Associates Gallery (200) within Mia. Admission is free for this show.

Mia houses over 100,000 works spanning 5,000 years of world history. It provides exhibitions covering art from ancient times through contemporary periods from across the globe. General admission is always free; some special exhibitions may have a small fee.

More information about current and upcoming exhibitions can be found at www.artsmia.org.