evolution, revolution ...
or Blame It On Eve!
Solo exhibit by Joanne Filletti
September 9 - 27
Reception: Saturday Sept. 12, 3-6 pm
This is just a sample of the artist's work, to see the full exhibit, please visit us at the gallery
Please contact gerrardartspace@gmail.com for more information.
Is the world spinning faster and faster, or is it technology that is moving along at an alarming rate?
In any case I feel like, at any moment, I might be thrust away. Will I be able to adapt to this radical change, this rupture? Will I want to? What are the options, besides becoming irrelevant, or extinct even? Who is in charge and why do I feel so helpless.
I find myself holding tightly to what I hold dear- the written word, visual art, all the arts. All of which feels in imminent danger of becoming obsolete.
Evolution of the arts has been slow occurring over of many thousands of years. From portraits of day to day life, current events to political revolutions, artists deploy a vast array of skills acquired over time describing many diverse ideas. Projects, either commissioned by the state, or personal agendas often intended to disseminate information, are executed at times at a great risk to the artist.
I am both confounded and inspired by a seemingly oxymoronic juxtaposition: That the evolution of human creativity, evident in prehistory cave paintings, ancient frescoes, monuments etc, persist as I type this, may co-exist in the same species, that creates technology that seeks to replace it if not destroy that creativity, in a relatively short period of time. A revolution of sorts - for instance artificial intelligence.
This project is a homage to the ancient world of Roman & Greek frescoes, and the knowledge, discipline and perseverance necessary for all arts to endure. It is my hope that the figures represented here, describe a different type of revolution, a type of movement that celebrates the pursuit of knowledge, ( learning to read, learning a craft) and expression (acting on that knowledge). Maybe the arts can co-opt or subvert this rupture happening now, and start another type of revolution. A revolution where human imagination and ingenuity are celebrated and remain intact as an extension of humanity and not a disembodied “it” void of spirit, or a soul for the matter. I remain hopeful.
This show is dedicated to the Old Testament story of Eve - thank you for taking the first bite, questioning thus rupturing the powers that be.
Joanne Filletti 2026
