Rachel Cooper Art Gallery, 237 Rachel Cooper Hall, 275 S. University Street, Illinois, 61761

Join us for the opening reception of Saima Afreen’s “Apricity” solo exhibition of acrylic paintings, showcasing the artist’s unique perspective on embodied narratives in academia. The reception will be held at the Rachel Cooper Art Gallery from 4–5:30 p.m. on May 1, 2025, with refreshments served.



Afreen is a transnational Ph.D. student in English at Illinois State University. Through her paintings, she explores the experience of Long Covid, aiming to decolonize literary studies, challenge ableism, and incorporate visual storytelling by sick bodies. The exhibit’s title, “Apricity,” refers to the warmth of the sun during winter, reflecting the artist’s adaptation to her new, chilly Midwestern environment.



The artwork on display includes abstract representations of the artist’s veins, evoking a river-like imagery, as well as vibrant, glittery paintings of skies, nebula, and cosmic galaxies made from incorporating expired make-up.



The exhibition is free and open to the public during gallery hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from May 1 to October 31, 2025.

Diversity, EVent