These sculptural works by Wisconsin artist Amanda Langer ask the viewer to consider the relationship between humanity and the natural world. She explores the nature of conflict as a simplification between two entities that are wildly different and appear to have nothing to do with each other. She questions how the differences between the materials reflect the differences that humans experience, whether that be within individual selves, between persons, or amidst groups–whether in terms of race, religion, or political ideology.

Curious about how people identify each material with extremes on a spectrum, Langer attempts to show that the differences do not have to be in conflict and that it might be to the highest benefit of both that the differences exist, to show how the unique features of each enhance the best parts of the other, and that by being in combination, the result is much more powerful than either one could be on its own.

Amanda Langer studied sculpture and natural resources at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2017. She spent the following years working in ecological restoration and landscaping with native plants. Her artwork is informed by her experiences in this field and is especially focused on exploring conflict between industry and nature, systems and people, and within the self.

October 9 through November 19

Gallery talk and closing reception: Thursday on November 19

North Las Vegas Campus -- Fine Arts Gallery