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?
I find myself holding tightly to what I hold dear- the written word, visual art, all the arts. I am awestruck by the power of human imagination, sometimes exploring pursuits that seem in complete opposition to the other:
To create, borne out of need and/or curiosity as well as to destroy.
Creations that evolve over thousands of years, meant to describe a vast array of ideas. From portraits of day to day life, current events to political revolutions, artists deploy a vast array of skills acquired over time. Projects, either commissioned by the state, or personal agendas, to disseminate information, executed at times at a great risk to the artist. These admirable
pursuits coexisting, with ones that are not so admirable. Pursuits that divide and conquer and eventually destroy, often in a relativity short time.
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 it that creativity.
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
