“Breaking Ground”

Multimedia artist Lisa Qualls explores issues of race and ethnicity in her work

Comments (0) By Olivia Flores Alvarez Thursday, Apr 17 2008

Lisa Qualls grew up in racially diverse Louisiana, so it’s no surprise that her artwork deals with issues of identity and ethnicity. The multimedia works in her current exhibit, “Breaking Ground,” explore the history of black immigrants to Houston. When a Tree Falls features book pages overlaid with transparent drawings of immigrants, including a family that came to Houston during Katrina.

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One of Qualls’s most iconic works is her piece Black Madonna, an image of the Madonna with a decidedly African look. Her hair is tied up in tight braids, her lips are full and her skin is dark. Roses adorn her halo, while her dress is made of an intricate geometric pattern.

“Profusion + Multiplicity,” large installations created from exposed X-ray film by Julia Barello, and “Pysanky…,” paintings and decorated objects by Nestor Topchy, complete the trio of spring shows currently at the Galveston Arts Center. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Through May 18. 2127 The Strand, Galveston. For information, call 409-763-2403 or visit www.galvestonartscenter.com. Free.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: April 12. Continues through May 18, 2008