Knight Artist-in-Residence Michael Takeo Magruder Showcases Art, Mentors Students

Michael Takeo Magruder, Knight Fund Distinguished Artist-in-Residence, presented re:GeneratedPrairie at the Borzello Art Gallery in the Ford Center for the Fine Arts. The exhibition showcased digital prints, canvases, 4K videos, and soundscapes inspired by Knox’s Green Oaks’ prairie burn and regrowth. The gallery was open September 16-30.

Magruder is an internationally known artist who has held over 300 exhibitions in 35 countries, including exhibits at the British Library in London. He was the first Knight Fund Distinguished Artist-in-Residence and was invited to Knox by Knight Distinguished Chair for the Study of Religion and Culture Robert M. Geraci. Most recently, Magruder was Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory’s inaugural artist-in-residence for its Art Meets Science program (2023-25).

“I asked Robert to pick a landscape and he took me to the prairie and I was really taken by it, it was an amazing experience, almost a religious experience,” Magruder said. “What you have here is very special, and that grew in me.” 

At the debut, Magruder and Geraci gave a lecture on Magruder’s work and artistic process. After the discussion, Magruder donated a limited edition set of three prints to Geraci and Knox College.

“Instead of doing a show of various older works with one new piece, I said to Robert, let’s do a new show on Green Oaks with original, new work,” Magruder said. “I hope this is something that will stay with you because I know it will stay with me.”

During his residency, Magruder also worked with Knox students, showing them how to set up and curate an exhibit.

“Professor Geraci was the one who first introduced me to the artist-in-residence. . . .  I was able to help him in different ways during the exhibition setup,” said psychology major and dance and religious studies minor Fahad Ahmed Joy ’28. “I helped with things like framing the work, doing the measurements, and assisting with other small tasks that made the process easier. I felt like it was meaningful because it allowed me to see closely how the setup of an exhibition actually happens.”

“While installing the pieces, he shared his artistic process with me,” Joy said. “He explained how he sometimes uses AI models and other types of technology to create his work. I realized it’s not only about what tools he uses, but more about how he uses them and the process behind making the art. ”

Magruder also offered critiques and instruction to students who also plan to showcase their work in the future. The opportunity to work with a professional artist and in a professional exhibition environment proved valuable for Knox students who are looking for a future in the world of art.

“I had never done something like this before, but I think it was absolutely worth it,” Joy said. “I got to learn new things, meet someone inspiring, and see up close how much work and thought go into setting up art in a gallery space. It was a valuable experience that I’ll definitely remember.”

Published on October 14, 2025

- Scott Holland, Knox College Office of Communications