How do we respond when the world abruptly changes? What happens to our perspective when we are removed from routine and community? How does the unexpected lead to new ways of seeing, connecting and understanding in our current environment?
In hopes of creating a stronger sense of community as we reflect on time spent apart, Fivesparks presents in•sight: Together, Apart, featuring artwork inspired by life during the COVID-19 pandemic. We showcase art as a way to connect with the historical context of what we are experiencing. Artists share their stories about how the pandemic impacted their work: changes in perspective, subject matter, medium, and even in behaviors typically adhered to when creating art. We invite viewers to connect visually and conceptually with each artist’s work and process, as they embrace themes of both isolation and belonging.
The exhibit examines two simultaneous concepts: visually seeing and apprehending the true nature of what is right in front of us; and mentally discerning different ways of seeing to help interpret sources of emotional, social and artistic disconnection and tension. As isolation and discomfort can be sources of both struggle and revelation, in•sight: Together, Apart evidences the power and beauty of inspiration to bridge distance and build connections in new ways. It is a creative springboard for exploring, sharing and understanding the pandemic journey as individuals and together as a community.
The exhibit highlights the Harvard@Home photographs of Harvard residents, taken by Harvard photographer Michelle Gendreau at the beginning of the pandemic, as part of the national #TheFrontSteps Project. Multi-media artist and Harvard resident Joe Faria shares a collection of works focused on the neighborhood of his youth, East Cambridge, and how these works brought people together during lockdown. Additionally, Joe will display intricate, 3-dim
ensional Van Gogh-inspired artwork created from accumulated Amazon cardboard boxes and cardstock. These pieces must be seen to be appreciated! Harvard resident Didi Chadran shares poetry reflecting the tension between divine revelation and abject tragedy humans experienced and his hope that COVID (along with its variants) offers an inescapable vehicle for self-discovery and evolutionary growth. Bolton-based pastel artist Ann Gillespie will share work she created during the pandemic. Her works show how the eperience inspired her to take her artistic process in a different direction, to create art very different from her usual style.
The exhibit aims not to focus on the difficulties endured during the pandemic, but rather how these difficulties guided many to highlight the positive, and encouraged many artists to expand their processes and skills.
