The West Virginia University School of Art and Design will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Deem Distinguished Lecture Series with visiting artist Devan Shimoyama on March 6, at 5 p.m., in the Canady Creative Arts Center Bloch Learning and Performance Hall.
Shimoyama is a contemporary African American mixed-media painter who is inspired by Black, queer and male bodies. Shimoyama explores themes of mythology and folklore, using his artwork to examine the intersections of race, class, gender and sexuality within everyday life. Shimoyama’s works have been part of more than 30 exhibitions from New York to Los Angeles, including 13 solo exhibitions. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Shimoyama is also a full-time faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“I am looking forward to sharing my work from the past decade and seeing how various bodies of work speak to one another, celebrating and investigating ideas surrounding identity, fantasy and materiality,” Shimoyama said.
In addition to his lecture, one of Shimoyama’s works, "Porky's was loud,” is on display in “Thirty: Celebrating 30 Years of the Deem Distinguished Lecture Series” at the Art Museum of WVU. The piece, which was previously exhibited at the Lohman Museum of Art in New York, is a response to the archive of poet, critic and LGBT+ activist Colin Robinson. The glittery elements frame a figure whose expression visitors may interpret as either euphoric or traumatic.
"Porky's was loud" by Devan Shimoyama
“Devan has already established a rising reputation and will be a fitting mentor for young students who are looking to make their own mark in the art world," said Kristina Olson, director of the WVU School of Art and Design. “He is a fitting addition to the Deem legacy.”
The Deem Distinguished Lecture Series exposes students, faculty and the greater Morgantown community to cutting-edge artists and arts supporters. Alison and Patrick Deem fund the series, in addition to providing gifts for several other arts initiatives at WVU. Attending the annual lecture has become a beloved tradition for them.
“The lecturers bring the outside art world to Morgantown,” Alison said. “It’s a way of preparing the students for the world they will enter upon graduation. It is also a way of educating those of us who are not in the art world. The lectures expose all of us to provocative ideas yet expand our horizons to consider alternate ways of thinking.”
Following Shimoyama’s lecture, guests are invited to visit “Thirty: Celebrating 30 Years of the Deem Distinguished Lecture Series” at the Art Museum of WVU.
“The last 30 years of this series have been a gift to the entire Morgantown community,” said Keith Jackson, dean of the College of Creative Arts and Media. “One of the highlights is getting to really know the work of an artist who I have heard of but have not studied. Hearing them speak about their process elevates my appreciation of the creative artists we bring to campus every spring for this series.”
The Deem Distinguished lectures are always free and open to the public, providing both access to thought-provoking contemporary art and the ability to talk to the artist behind it. For more information, visit artanddesign.wvu.edu.