September 23, 2026 – February 28, 2027
I believe that when interpreting art, perception of the work is tainted by the viewer's life experiences. The viewer typically seizes upon what they know rather than searching for a deeper meaning. It’s sometimes challenging to consider a more complex interpretation. But stretching one’s mind and looking formetaphor can generating alternative ideas and meanings through which the imagery may be symbolic... offering an even more intriguing experience of the work of art.
Last night, I attended the soft opening of The Inner Stage, a series of new paintings by artist WERIEM at the Alma Art Gallery. The paintings on exhibit explore the “...psychological and emotional spaces that exist beneath the visible surface of identity.” They question our perception of self—How we want to be seen—and alternatively, how we believe we are perceived by others.
The intimate paintings make use of “the gaze” to present both vulnerability and control in a singular moment. They dare the viewer to approach and engage. And as the viewer moves into this sacred space, they are caught in an intimate world where context is never neutral; it is shaped by the viewer’s private memories and personal experiences, suggesting something new to each person who approaches.
Having lived across three continents, WERIEM draws on her own experiences as well as her familiarity of being perceived by others. Elements found within the imagery reference her own global reality. The rounded forms in the compositions are inspired by Tunisian architecture, as are the rich blue and metallic gold color palette. The intricate details and use of lighting reflect the artist's decade-long career as a theatrical costume designer. The figures’ facial expressions draw on the range of emotion embodied by actors, creating a tension between personal identity and performance.
WERIEM’s The Inner Stage continues through Sunday, February 28, 2027 with an Opening Reception scheduled for Friday, November 13 from 5-9PM. ALMA Gallery is located at 3636 S. Iron Street in Chicago. The gallery is open Monday-Friday by appointment only, Sunday 12-5PM, and Third Fridays, 5-9PM. Additional information is available at: almaart.com
WERIEM is a French and Tunisian artist based in the United States. Her detailed work draws inspiration from the performing arts. In 2024, she presented her first solo exhibition in Chicago. The same year, her work has been shown in Chicago and Los Angeles group shows, and she received the People’s Choice Award at the Bridgeport Art Center’s Annual Art Competition.
Following her second solo exhibition at the Epiphany Center for the Arts (Chicago, 2025; Newcity review, click here), she continued to exhibit in the U.S. and abroad, participating in group shows in Portland (OR), Boise (ID), Los Angeles (CA), and Paris, France.
In 2026, she will present a new solo exhibition in Minneapolis and participate in an artist residency in New York City. She was also selected as a recipient of a one-year scholarship at the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago. Her work and practice have led her to give guest lectures at cultural organizations and institutions including Northwestern University (IL), the University of Chicago (IL), Dickinson College (PA), and Macalester College (MN).
Her work is held in private collections in the United States and abroad. She pursued classical training at the Palette & Chisel Academy and the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. Before fully dedicating herself to fine art, she built a decade-long career as a costume designer for opera, collaborating with institutions such as the Royal Swedish Opera, the Boston Early Music Festival, Opera Lafayette and Haymarket Opera Company. Her work has been praised by the New York Times, Chicago Reader, Wall Street Journal, and Chicago Tribune.
Although always an artist at heart, she began her professional path with a PhD in biology from the Université de Lille (France), a foundation that continues to inform the precision and detail in her work.
