Irma Freeman Announces Zim Sayed (Legal Dense Fund) Pop-up Exhibit
The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination presents Zim Sayed (Legal Defense Fund), a pop-up exhibition opening Friday, March 1st, 2024 This exhibition showcases the thought provoking work of artist, Zim Sayed.
“Through my practice I seek to dismantle hierarchical structures and ideas of predetermination. My paintings are a re-versioning of existing forms and my installation work focuses on bending reality into something more whimsical. My process is one of collaboration and chance. I often draw from children’s media, popular fiction, and art history; and am deeply influenced by rich history and practices of tricksters, clowns, magicians, and mimes.”
Zim Syed is a Bangladeshi-American artist. Zim was born in Atlanta and moved to the United Arab Emirates soon after. He spent his childhood between the USA, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Zim became involved in the local art scene while studying economics at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2020, Zim was the lead artist on the John Lewis Mural, located on Locust Street in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood, which promotes visual messages about police brutality, systemic racism, and gun violence. In 2021, he received a BIPOC Micro-Grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation’s Center for Philanthropy. Zim is represented by BoxHeart Gallery in Bloomfield. Along with Brew House’s Distillery residency, He was also awarded the Radiant Hall x Boom Concepts residency in 2023.
Zim Sayed (Legal Defense Fund) is a show about trying to stay out of jail. The work reflects Zim’s current mental state as he deals with punitive action alongside a backdrop of an on-going genocide. An unnamed company is alleging that he erected a Palestinian flag on their roof, and that company is now pursuing several felony charges against Zim.
“As a friend of mine put it, I am currently in the conveyor belt of the law and trying desperately to get out.” - Zim Syed
Zim Sayed (Legal Defense Fund) opens March 1st with an artists’ reception 5-9 pm. This exhibit will be on display until March 8th, 2024. Regular gallery viewing hours are on Saturday, March 2nd from 12-5 pm. Additional gallery hours will be hosted throughout the week and by appointment. Please reference our social media. The Irma Freeman Center welcomes groups to book events and tours to experience this engaging, provocative exhibit . For information call us at 412-924-0634.