Detroit-based artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards, who has garnered widespread recognition for her distinctive mixed-media and collage-based paintings, is presenting her most ambitious exhibition to date. The show, titled "Another World and Yet the Same," features an entirely new collection of works that tell an epic allegorical story of her own creation about a voyage to Antarctica to establish a more equitable and free society.
The exhibition draws from a rich tapestry of influences that span religious, musical, and literary traditions. Richmond-Edwards has incorporated inspiration from the biblical Exodus narrative, the innovative science-fiction mythology developed by jazz legend Sun Ra, and various accounts of exploration involving both real and imaginary continents. This diverse range of source material creates a complex foundation for her artistic vision.
The exhibition's title pays homage to a significant piece of dystopian literature from the 17th century. "Mundus alter et idem," written by Joseph Hall, was an imaginary travel account that described a fictional voyage to the oceans located south of Africa. By borrowing this title, Richmond-Edwards emphasizes her own exploration of how societies might transform and evolve, creating connections between historical literary works and contemporary artistic expression.
The result of this ambitious project is described as a luminous vision that captures both danger and hope. Richmond-Edwards has crafted what observers are calling a myth that manages to feel both timeless in its universal themes and completely relevant to current social and political issues. The work addresses fundamental questions about community, equity, and the possibility of creating better societies.
The exhibition has been carefully curated by Alexander Jarman, who serves as Assistant Curator of Exhibitions and Academic Outreach at the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College. The museum is planning to release a comprehensive, fully illustrated exhibition catalogue in 2026, which will be edited by Tracy L. Adler and will include scholarly contributions from Alexander Jarman, Melanee C. Harvey, and Juana Williams.
Alongside Richmond-Edwards' solo exhibition, the Wellin Museum is also presenting "EXODUS," a complementary group exhibition that has been curated by Richmond-Edwards herself. This additional show is designed to honor the mentors and colleagues who have significantly influenced her artistic development and career. The group exhibition features works by seven artists: Akili Ron Anderson, Wesley Clark, Larry W. Cook, Shaunté Gates, Hubert Massey, Stan Squirewell, and Felandus Thames.
The "EXODUS" exhibition serves an important purpose in contextualizing Richmond-Edwards' work within a broader artistic community. By showcasing these influential artists, the exhibition demonstrates how her practice has been shaped by and continues to engage with a vibrant network of creative professionals whose impact can be seen throughout her artistic journey. This approach provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the collaborative and interconnected nature of contemporary art practice.
Those interested in learning more about both exhibitions can visit hamilton.edu/wellin for additional information. The museum also encourages art enthusiasts to subscribe to their newsletter and participate in ongoing conversations through their social media platforms to stay updated on current and future programming.
