‘Indivisible: A Celebration of Immigrants, Refugees and the Pursuit of Freedom‘ is now open to the public at iMPeRFeCT Gallery, with work from 20 intergenerational immigrant and migrant artists.
Hailing from 14 different countries but now living in the Philadelphia area, the creatives put together the exhibit to highlight their own experience during a time where immigration is criminalized and immigrants are often painted in a negative light.
“Indivisible is a clear example of the diversity of the artists, the many perspectives that portray the parallel yet separate journeys that everyone experienced, [and] the clear love for and dedication to their craft. The variety of media used by all is also impressive,” Rocio Campbell, co-owner of iMPeRFeCT Gallery told Metro in a statement. “They reveal the similarities in those journeys, no matter where you came from. Like the resourcefulness to solve the challenges that come when you are called to make art but lack the resources, there are many shared traits among artists.”
iMPeRFeCT was founded by Campbell and Renny Molenaar in 2012. According to a release, the intention and hope of the venue was to become a voice in the community and part of the ongoing conversation with the art world. The approach to this work is that of a “facilitator,” where artists of very different persuasions can present themselves and their work with as much freedom as possible.
With ‘Indivisible’ specifically, the gallery shows stories of individuals who have chosen to live in this country despite societal challenges. The exhibit, on view at the cultural institution until Aug. 3, also ties in an optimistic look at the future—one that hopes to welcome immigrants.
“I hope people notice our shared humanity, realizing that there is always more to unite us than divide us. As we embark [on] the task of choosing a new leader, it’s important to recognize immigrants’ contributions that helped make this country great, and also to contrast the toxic narratives circulating about the lives of immigrants in the US. We need truth, and artists do that, like it or not,” finishes Campbell.
“I hope this exhibition helps people feel more empathetic and less judgmental towards newcomers, and towards each other, since unless you are a Native American, everyone is a descendant of a fierce, or adventurous, or desperate, or enslaved immigrant.”
For more information on “Indivisible: A Celebration of Immigrants, Refugees and the Pursuit of Freedom,” visit imperfectgallery.squarespace.com. The gallery will also be holding a block party tied to the exhibit on Saturday, July 27.
