Devan Shimoyama: Rituals
The Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University presents "Devan Shimoyama: Rituals," an immersive solo exhibition showcasing 25 mixed media works that reimagine the Black American and queer experiences as fantastical and ornate, utilizing rich textures and decorative materials. Runs from January 23 to June 14, 2025.
Devan Shimoyama: Rituals is a solo exhibition at the Ulrich Museum of Art (Wichita State University) that presents a rich array of mixed media works by Shimoyama. Through glitter, fabric, feathers, sequins, neon color, and ornate decoration, the show creates immersive, dreamlike environments that explore themes of race, gender, sexuality, vulnerability, transformation, and spirituality. The works draw on historical religious imagery—Byzantine icons, Baroque altarpieces, Renaissance chapel art—to frame Shimoyama’s pieces as contemporary devotional objects. This exhibition takes place at Ulrich Museum of Art, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, KS 67260. Runs through June 14, 2025. Test Test
Exhibition Description
"Rituals" contextualizes Devan Shimoyama's artworks as contemporary devotional objects, drawing parallels to historical religious imagery such as Byzantine icons, Baroque altarpieces, and Renaissance chapel commissions. Shimoyama's pieces incorporate neon colors, rhinestones, sequins, feathers, glitter, and fabrics to build alternative dream worlds that serve as both counterpoints and interrogations of present realities. These materials pay homage to both drag performance and the churchgoers of his childhood, reflecting themes of vulnerability and transformation. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with the gallery space as a sacred environment, encouraging reflection and new understandings of the complexities of race, gender, and sexuality. By situating Shimoyama's works within the framework of devotional icons, "Rituals" highlights the spiritual and contemplative aspects of his art.
