Video Produced by VoicesNow Studio and Soumita Acharya
Edited by Kris MacNeil

Ism is a noun meaning an ideological movement typically political or artistic. In our modern world, there are a lot of isms at play. Think of any noun and add “ism” to it. Presto – a new ideological or artistic movement is in action.

Artists May DeViney and Barbara Fletcher bring together different isms, meeting in the middle using humor, color, technique, and intention.

DeViney’s work highlights the continuity of social customs, traditions, and religious credos that combine to constrain individuals within traditional unbending roles. They become acid portrayals of oppression and forbearance, combined with gallows and slapstick humor. Her working class, union, and Midwestern background fostered contrasts that are reflected in her work, including an ornery iconoclasm, but mindful of warmth, humanism, and family connections.

Fletcher has traveled to a number of third-world countries over the years which opened her eyes to conditions in the world but it would take a number of years for her art and activism to merge. She became an observer of nature and the nature of the human condition and her work has focused mainly on environmental concerns. Ironically she sometimes uses animals to express her isms. Her art has become a cathartic experience for her, and hopefully, this exhibit provides some playful awareness and insight to her audience.