Magic Realism: New Works by Michael Aakhus
Block & Brush: The Artistry of Japanese Prints and Scrolls
Exhibition | February 16 - March 27, 2026
Reception | 4 p.m., March 4, 2026
The University of Southern Indiana is proud to present Magic Realism: New Works by Michael Aakhus, currently on display at the McCutchan Art Center/Pace (MAC/Pace) Galleries in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center on campus. The show will be on display through Friday, March 27. Aakhus, Dean Emeritus of the USI College of Liberal Arts, first began teaching art at USI in 1977, becoming full Professor and holding administrative leadership roles at the University until retiring as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 2016. This exhibition features over 50 artworks created since 2017, including paintings and assemblages, as well as digital photography and collages. Aakhus’s work has always been recognizable for its intense color palette, complex compositions, as well as imagery relating to art history and his extensive travels outside the United States; this exhibition dials those characteristics up to 11.
Paired with Michael Aakhus’ recent works is Block & Brush: The Artistry of Japanese Prints and Scrolls, curated by Susan Colaricci Sauls, Director of University Art Collections. The exhibition offers a brief history and summarizes thematic narratives of these artforms as practiced in Japan in the 19th and 20th centuries. The prints and scrolls are shared with the University Art Collection by the Michael & Patricia Aakhus Global Art Collection. Aakhus, and his late wife Patricia, former Director of Interdisciplinary Studies at USI, studied diverse cultures around the globe and collected many unique objects.
A reception for the exhibitions was held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 in the USI MAC/Pace Galleries on campus. Aakhus started the reception with an informal artist talk, followed by light refreshments. Catalogs about Aakhus’ exhibition were available at the reception.
The Fossil Record by Michael Aakhus
