Multimedia Artist Mirzam Pérez Celebrates 'Muddling Through' in New Exhibit

Pérez's 'Muddling Through' exhibit at PS1 explores themes of joy, resilience and belonging inspired by her travels to Iceland.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:48am

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An abstract close-up photograph showcasing the intricate, vibrant textures of woven fabrics in Mirzam Pérez's multimedia art exhibit, conceptually representing the layered themes of joy and perseverance.The tactile, layered fabrics in Mirzam Pérez's 'Muddling Through' exhibit invite viewers to engage with the artwork on a sensory level, reflecting the artist's exploration of resilience and belonging.Grinnell Today

Mirzam Pérez, a multimedia artist and professor at Grinnell College, has designed a new exhibition titled 'Muddling Through' that is currently on display at PS1 until April 11. Inspired by her travels to Iceland, the exhibit features a variety of multimedia pieces including photos, woven fabric, plaster sculptures, and 3D fabric-covered art that capture the idea of 'muddling through' - an Icelandic ideology of maintaining a positive outlook and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Why it matters

Pérez's exhibit explores universal themes of joy, perseverance and finding a sense of belonging, which resonate with audiences both in Iowa and beyond. By drawing inspiration from her experiences in Iceland and translating them into a multisensory art display, Pérez aims to encourage viewers to reflect on their own approaches to life's difficulties and find ways to cultivate happiness, even in the face of adversity.

The details

The 'Muddling Through' exhibit features a variety of multimedia pieces that Pérez has been working on for about a year and a half, inspired by her artist residencies in Iceland and Alaska. The works include photographs, woven fabric, plaster sculptures, and 3D fabric-covered art that capture the resilience and joy Pérez experienced during her travels. Pérez was particularly struck by the Icelandic concept of 'Þetta Reddast' or 'muddling through,' which emphasizes maintaining a positive outlook and faith that things will work out, no matter the challenge. She has incorporated this theme into her art, experimenting with different materials and textures to encourage viewers to touch and engage with the pieces on a tactile level.

  • Pérez designed the 'Muddling Through' exhibit over the past year and a half, inspired by her artist residencies in Iceland in 2025 and Alaska.
  • The exhibit is currently on display at PS1 in New York City until April 11, 2026.

The players

Mirzam Pérez

A multimedia artist and Professor of Spanish Literature, PhD., at Grinnell College who designed the 'Muddling Through' exhibit currently on display at PS1.

PS1

A contemporary art museum in New York City that is hosting Pérez's 'Muddling Through' exhibit until April 11, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“As an artist, I feel that I'm always muddling through, experimenting in trying to find materials. I always have that hope or that faith that things will work out. I think that's a great way of approaching life, but it's also a great way of approaching our creativity and our work in the studio.”

— Mirzam Pérez, Multimedia Artist

“I want people to come here and want to touch [the art], and I actually don't mind if people touch it because there's so many textures, so many layers. There's another type of learning that happens with the hands that is very different than what happens with the eyes, and as an artist, I'm always wanting to touch things and controlling myself when I go to places, but I want to allow people, the viewers, to do that, too.”

— Mirzam Pérez, Multimedia Artist

What’s next

The 'Muddling Through' exhibit at PS1 will be on display until April 11, 2026, giving audiences in New York City and beyond the opportunity to experience Pérez's multimedia exploration of joy, resilience and belonging.

The takeaway

Through her 'Muddling Through' exhibit, Mirzam Pérez encourages viewers to approach life's challenges with a spirit of optimism and perseverance, finding creative ways to cultivate happiness even in the face of adversity - a universal message that resonates across cultures and communities.