The “Only Child” exhibit focuses on and features the work of local artist and Rowan student De’von Downes.
The Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Rowan College of South Jersey’s Gloucester County campus is showing its new gallery art exhibit for the fall, “Only Child,” at the campus’ college center.
The exhibit focuses on the works of Rowan student De’von Downes, whose art is inspired by their own personal experiences. Downes is also a cultural assistant with the commission.
“The show is supposed to be about thinking about yourself,” Downes explained. “It’s called ‘Only Child’ because you may have a twin brother, sister or sibling, but you can’t share their brain. Your thoughts will always be your thoughts. Only you can hear them and process those feelings or ideas.”
The exhibit – which closes on Friday, Nov. 22 – features a variety of media, with a focus on portraits that convey different aspects of their subjects and on the concept of love.
“It necessitates honoring communities, families and ancestors by honoring oneself,” a press release for the show noted. “Artwork included in this exhibition varies in mediums, ranging from watercolor to mixed media. The gallery also features many decorative art pieces corresponding to the exhibition’s aesthetic.”
Downes has also produced murals and other community art in Philadelphia, Trenton, Newark, Atlantic City, Washington, D.C., and Englewood.
“I would like to keep doing the murals,” they said. “It can be something to represent and show up for the people there.”
The reason the exhibit was chosen, according to commission administrator Erika Gardner, was the artist’s connection to the community, a connection she felt would interest people.
“In taking over the gallery space, I wanted to encourage more diverse voices,” Gardner pointed out. “With De’von’s show I feel like – because of their age and where they stand as a person – this has been the show that I’ve noticed the most students stopping (at) and looking at the art.
“Building that appreciation for the artwork and having that connection to the community – it’s really special.”
