In shining memory
How do we remember those we have lost? This question is at the centre of Devan Shimoyama’s exploration of Blackness, queerness and mythology. He says, “instead of depicting a black body in pain or torment, I’d much rather celebrate those individuals as something more positive and whole”. He commemorates Black celebrities through his self-portrait paintings in drag, like Left Eye and Aaliyah (2022). His series of hoodies and swings adorned with flowers immortalise Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice, Black children lost to police brutality.
Shimoyama’s image-making presents memory as a patchwork of la...
Bio
Devan Shimoyama (he/him) was born in Philadelphia, USA in 1989. He lives and works in Pittsburgh.
Studio
As well as neo-soul music, Shimoyama likes to play audiobooks while working – “I listen to a lot of sci-fi or epic fantasy novels.”
Process
Shimoyama deals with heavy themes in his work, like death and racism. So when he isn’t working Shimoyama likes to tune out by watching reality TV or playing video games – “I need mindless activity.”