WICHITA, KS.- De Buck Gallery announces “Rituals”, a solo exhibition exploring the captivating and multifaceted work of celebrated artist Devan Shimoyama. Organized by the Ulrich Museum of Art and curated by Jo Reinert, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, “Rituals” delves deep into the artist’s vibrant and multifaceted oeuvre; from his iconic Tarot Series and mythic narratives to his intimate Barbershop Series and poignant self-portraits. The exhibition is on view from January 23 to June 14, 2025.


From shimmering rhinestones to bold brushstrokes, "Devan Shimoyama: All the Rage" showcases the artist's innovative use of materials and his powerful depictions of Black masculinity. Order your copy on Amazon today and add this stunning catalog to your art book collection.


Shimoyama’s practice, characterized by its vibrant energy and profound social commentary, masterfully dismantles societal norms surrounding race, gender, and sexuality. Through a captivating blend of imagery and materials, he presents the Black American and queer experiences as fantastical and ornate, drawing inspiration from drag performance, religious iconography, and the rich textures of his childhood.

Rituals contextualizes Shimoyama’s works as devotional objects, drawing parallels to historical religious imagery, from Byzantine icons to Baroque altarpieces. This exhibition invites viewers to contemplate these contemporary creations as sacred objects and devotional icons for our time.

Shimoyama employs a dazzling array of materials – neon colors, rhinestones, sequins, feathers, glitter, and fabrics – to construct alternative dream worlds that both reflect and challenge the realities around us. These vibrant environments, while imbued with joy and exuberance, also grapple with profound themes of vulnerability and transformation.

Rituals features a diverse selection of works from private and institutional collections, spanning Shimoyama’s acclaimed series, including the Tarot series, the Barbershop series, drag self-portraits, mythologies, transformation sequences, and poignant portraits.



Artdaily participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us continue curating and sharing the art world’s latest news, stories, and resources with our readers.