And This Is How It Ended? 

(The Divorce Show) 

“And This Is How It Ended? (The Divorce Show)” was conceived by an image and the story of a woman that was divorced.  I was then encouraged to reinterpret the image and make it my own due to the fact that the events that unfolded in the following months were the separation of my wife and I.  However, after almost 2 months of separation and a near divorce, we have made amends and are moving forward with better communication and understanding of one another.  I know, however, that not all situations do or can end this way.

It is my intent to have each of the artists I have asked to be part of the show create or submit works that best relate to the topic from their paradigm.  I do not espouse divorce nor am I opposed to it.  Each scenario presents so many variables and, in some cases, the act of divorce is extremely necessary while other times it is a mere act of selfishness.  I do, however, want to encourage a dialogue for those that enter the gallery to view imagery that perhaps encourages them to get out of their current dilemma or perhaps to be patient and persevere through tough times.  My aim is not to trivialize or exploit anyone’s current situation, but to bring forth imagery that transcends rules, regulations, cultural formalities and/or religious viewpoints.  Often times the individual that discourages marriage due to their religious viewpoint does not have a complete understanding of a particular person’s unique situation and may never have had to deal with the same realities of life.   The reverse of this is true as well.  For example, a counselor or trained professional may encourage divorce, perhaps for their own financial or relational benefit.  Whatever the case may be, I do not feel anyone should have the authority to make a blanket rule for the masses concerning this subject.  As mentioned before, every relationship is different and calls for different proceedings.

The artists that I have asked are all women and each is extremely agile in her medium.  I have chosen to create a group show entirely of women because it is my opinion that, though our society has progressed greatly, women are still typically given less of a voice than men.  Divorce affects millions of women, men and children in this country, yet it still seems to be quite a taboo topic that is not addressed in a completely uninhibited manner.  Therefore, by creating a so-called “one sided” viewpoint, my hope is to then create a dialogue between the art and the viewer, whether it ends in an embrace or a wrestling match.