Divergent Evolution not only demonstrates an extraordinary range of materials, styles, and subject matter, but also offers the intrigue of observing common threads and preoccupations within the works of individual artists. Says Curator Emma Wilcox, “As an artist and culture worker much of the dialogue I am part of revolves around where the attributes of a given artwork come from; the connection of that piece to the other works in a series an artist is creating; antecedents in prior antecedents in prior works or series; the influences of other artists. I love this kind of talk; we all do it all the time, publicly or privately. Divergent Evolution is an opportunity to share some of that talk.”

The exhibit, featuring artwork by diverse artists throughout the United States, includes one or more artworks from each artist that demonstrate the evolution of their creative process. There will be 44 pieces of work in a variety of visual media including sculpture, installations, photography, printmaking, painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Participating Artists:

Jose Arvelo, Mariette Boerstoel, Jennifer Crohn, Louis DiLauri, Anne Dushanko Dobek, Andrea Epstein, Laurie Fusco, Elizabeth Ginsberg, Alice Harrison, Paul Jervis, Rachel Laufer, Cheryl McNamara, Bud McNichol, Arthur Paxton, Bobbie Polton, Marcy Pope, Ron Powell, Matt Roberts, Danielle Stauss, Elie Porter Trubert, Nikki Vismara, Sue Eldridge Ward, Gail Watkins

Curator:

Emma Wilcox

Emma Wilcox is the Gallery Director at Gallery Aferro, where, with Co-Founder and Artistic Director Evonne Davis, she has designed and implemented hundreds of exhibits, public programs, educational initiatives, public art projects as well as more than two dozen publications. Wilcox is a practicing artist. She studied photography at the School of Visual Arts and was part of the 2015-2017 cohort of the Prudential Foundation Nonprofit Executive Fellows Program at the Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers Business School. Ms. Wilcox lectures regularly on art and cultural engagement topics, including a 2016 TedX talk.