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Embroidery meets introspection in LCCC art exhibition

Embroidered artwork by Elnaz Javani with human figures connected by a red formCHEYENNE, Wyoming – Intricate hand-embroidered works in red and black will transform the Esther and John Clay Fine Art Gallery into a meditative space for storytelling and self-reflection as artist Elnaz Javani’s exhibition “Inner Compulsion” opens at Laramie County Community College.  

The exhibition runs Jan. 19 through Feb. 27, with a reception scheduled for noon-1:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 in the gallery and adjoining lobby. Both the exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public. 

Inner Compulsion features meticulously stitched pieces on muslin fabric, described by Javani as “fictional autobiographies” chronicling her seven-year exploration of identity, memory and transformation. Each piece captures paused moments of personal and collective history through deliberate marks, offering a tactile meditation on the passage of time and the interplay between body, labor and self-discovery. 

“These works reveal intimate tensions and psychological states, stemming from an inner force to understand the self in relation to everyday experiences,” Javani said. “Through slow, deliberate stitching, I create a visual record of time that reflects history and transformation.” 

Currently an Assistant Professor of Fibers at Colorado State University, Javani draws upon her Iranian heritage and experiences as a queer immigrant to explore themes of belonging, migration and resilience. Her labor-intensive process of stitching and layering allows her to combine traditional textile techniques with contemporary narratives, fostering a dialogue between past and present. 

Exhibiting at LCCC is especially meaningful to Javani, who values the academic setting for its ability to foster dialogue, curiosity, and learning — core elements of her artistic practice. 

“I hope to spark conversations with students and the community, introducing them to the tactile intimacy and transformative potential of textile art,” she said 

The Esther and John Clay Fine Art Gallery is in the Surbrugg Prentice Auditorium on LCCC’s Cheyenne campus. 

For more information about “Inner Compulsion” or LCCC’s art programs, contact Daniel Maw at dmaw@lccc.wy.edu or 307.432.1692.