The AD Gallery at UNC Pembroke will present Evolution, an exhibition featuring ceramics by Holly Fischer from January 13 to February 6, 2025. A reception and artist talk are scheduled for January 29, at 4:30 p.m.

Fischer a native of Missoula, Montana, grew up in a creative household that fueled her artistic journey. Her father, a skilled woodworker, and her mother, an accomplished fiber artist, instilled in her a passion for artistic expression as part of the back-to-the-land movement of the 1970s. This nurturing environment encouraged Fischer to explore her creativity from an early age.

For Fischer, art is a second language—an outlet for self-discovery and a way to process internal conflicts. Her abstracted figurative sculptures in white clay celebrate the beauty of the human form while challenging societal pressures to conform to gender norms and standardized ideals of beauty.

Fischer’s work delves into the complexities of femininity, inviting viewers to engage with themes of sexual politics, stereotypes, and the traditional "gaze." Currently based in Raleigh, N.C., she teaches at Meredith College, where she mentors emerging artists and helps them find their creative voices. In her studio practice, Fischer constantly experiments with new materials and techniques to push the boundaries of her artistic expression.

“My current work is inspired by the dangerous yet alluring beauty of carnivorous plants and poisonous underwater creatures,” Fischer said. “These seductive and deadly forms serve as metaphors for our culture’s mistrust of female empowerment and fears surrounding gender fluidity. Through my work, I explore the tensions created by binary restrictions that artificially separate feminine and masculine qualities. I hope viewers experience both intrigue and apprehension when engaging with my pieces.”

For more information, visit Fischer’s website.