“Migrations: Sculpture by Alonso Sierralta” opened Friday in the James Wegner Art Gallery, Austin West Campus.

Sierralta’s sculptures are simultaneously fascinating and strange, creating a sense of both harmony and disharmony. A Peruvian immigrant at age 14, the artist channels his experience of cultural transplantation into powerful organic metaphors. According to the artist, “The spreading of seeds, roots, pollen, etc. are the basic inspiration for the sculptural form, disparate materials are then selected to create the sense of tension and forced metamorphosis.”

The works address the mixed emotions of optimism and fear that accompany giving up the familiar.

According to Tim Jones, Riverland art instructor and gallery coordinator, this show is an opportunity to examine the issue of immigration from a fresh and visually expressive perspective.

“Migrations: Sculpture by Alonso Sierralta” will close Dec. 10 with a public talk and closing reception with the artist.

The James Wegner Art Galley is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alonso Sierralta, originally from Valparaiso, Chile, received his MFA in sculpture from the University of Nebraska in 1997. His work has been exhibited nationally and featured in several publications. He currently teaches sculpture and painting at Concordia University in St. Paul. He lives and works in Minneapolis.

If you go:
What: “Migrations: Sculpture by Alonso Sierralta”
When: Now through Dec. 10., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: James Wegner Art Gallery, Austin West Building, Riverland Community College