Devan Shimoyama: SHIFT

Artist’s talk and opening reception February 4th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM - artist’s talk begins at 5:30 Let us know you are coming.

Devan Shimoyama draws equally from classical mythology and the cultural landscape of his youth to create works that center the queer Black male form. Through self-portraiture and tableaux, he reflects on the politics of queer experience while navigating his own personal narrative.

Working across a wide range of materials and techniques, Shimoyama explores the tension between celebration and silence within queer culture and sexuality. Referencing the dramatic sensibilities of painters such as Caravaggio and Goya, he layers his surfaces with jewels, glitter, rhinestones, and sequins to evoke both the beauty and alienation of the Black queer body.

His most recent body of work is inspired by the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. Shimoyama stages scenes of transformation alluding to the dialogue between genuine and superficial change. The series reflects on our desire to present contained and perfect versions of ourselves, while suggesting how forms of mysticism, such as tarot reading, can illuminate new pathways through turbulent times.