The Northwest Arts Center at Minot State University hosts an exhibition of unique paper and book artwork this April by Americas 2020: Paperworks Best of Show artist Marianne R. Petit in tandem with the Minot State University Juried Student Art Show.

“The Body & Story” presents multiple series of artworks that explore anatomical studies, graphic medicine, fairy tales and collective storytelling. The pieces bridge multiple mediums and artistic methods, from mechanical books, paper cuts and animation. Petit combines technology, traditional book arts and sequential storytelling to create new narrative forms.

Petit’s most recent series, “Mouth & Toes: The World of 19th Century (Performative) Silhouette Artists with Disabilities”, consists of an illustrated and animated hybrid book. A collaboration with Laurel Daen, Assistant Professor of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame, the book tells the stories of the performative world of disabled and atypically figured artists working in the very popular and affordable alternative to portraiture, the silhouette.

Petit’s artwork has appeared internationally in festivals and exhibitions, been featured in publications such as Hyperallergic, Make, and Wired, and broadcast on IFC and PBS. Her movable books can be found in numerous University, museum, library and private collections.

Petit is an Associate Arts Professor at New York University’s ITP and IMA programs in the Tisch School of the Arts. As an artist and educator, Petit will be presenting a workshop and demonstration to students in the Paper Works course at Minot State.

Petit will present as part of the Art Seminar Series at Minot State University’s Aleshire Theater at noon today. Art Seminar presentations offer students and the public the opportunity to learn about the work, lives and experiences of visiting artists. Co-hosted by the Minot State University Art Department, the seminar will also be live-streamed to MSU Art and Northwest Arts Center social media.