De Buck Gallery is proud to present “Rituals”, a solo exhibition exploring the captivating and multifaceted work of celebrated artist Devan Shimoyama. Organized by the Ulrich Museum of Art and curated by Jo Reinert, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, “Rituals” delves deep into the artist’s vibrant and multifaceted oeuvre; from his iconic Tarot Series and mythic narratives to his intimate Barbershop Series and poignant self-portraits. The exhibition will be on view from January 23 to June 14, 2025.
Shimoyama’s practice, characterized by its vibrant energy and profound social commentary, masterfully dismantles societal norms surrounding race, gender, and sexuality. Through a captivating blend of imagery and materials, he presents the Black American and queer experiences as fantastical and ornate, drawing inspiration from drag performance, religious iconography, and the rich textures of his childhood.
Rituals contextualizes Shimoyama’s works as devotional objects, drawing parallels to historical religious imagery, from Byzantine icons to Baroque altarpieces. This exhibition invites viewers to contemplate these contemporary creations as sacred objects and devotional icons for our time.
Shimoyama employs a dazzling array of materials – neon colors, rhinestones, sequins, feathers, glitter, and fabrics – to construct alternative dream worlds that both reflect and challenge the realities around us. These vibrant environments, while imbued with joy and exuberance, also grapple with profound themes of vulnerability and transformation.
Rituals features a diverse selection of works from private and institutional collections, spanning Shimoyama’s acclaimed series, including the Tarot series, the Barbershop series, drag self-portraits, mythologies, transformation sequences, and poignant portraits.
