Catie Bryant writes about Mary Apikos’ Artwork “We Can Only Be Human Together” Displayed in the Migrations in
Black and White | 2.0 Exhibition
Featured in the exhibition, Migrations in Black and White | 2.0 currently on display at the
Evanston Art Center, Mary Apikos’ piece “We Can Only Be Human Together” is one of the
myriad pieces in the show that for the most part contains art created under the constraints of
utilizing solely black and white coloring. Curated by Makeba Kedem-DuBose, the exhibition
swirls with showcased ideas on the complexities of contemporary freedom and social justice.
Given the themes of this show, it is important to note that the freedom of expression and
interpretation for the artists in the exhibition was prioritized, allowing them to work outside the
constraints of the prompt when needed.
Mary Apikos currently resides in Chicago but taught interdisciplinary courses about “the
intersection of social history and design that fell through the cracks to people who fell through
the cracks” at Parsons School of Design NYC for seventeen years. Currently, she teaches a
course titled “Fairy Tales as Cultural Discourse” at the NYC Jung Foundation.
This is befitting seeing that much of Apikos’ work revolves around folklore and fairytales. She
firmly believes that even in times of hardship, we are still being led down a path towards where
we belong. On her portfolio website, after affirming this belief, she goes on to say, “Both exist
albeit in different proportions. Our bodies keep going despite immeasurable suffering. We are
capable of transformation and being many things at once. My work rests on a continuum from
trauma to transformation, addressing inter-generational, cultural, and political wounds”.
The motif of transformation is undeniable in the piece “We Can Only Be Human Together”. As
you approach, you are immediately confronted with the striking imagery of swans becoming
humans. Although this is a transitional relationship, the swan and human components strongly
contrast thanks to the sole utilization of black and white. Ultimately, this creates a clear
separation between the respective elements. It should also be noted that there is text running
along the border of the ink on Duralar:
On a day just like this but not this day in a place just like this but not this place
Six innocent brothers were enchanted and turned into swans
They used their magical breath to help one another shed their feathers
We can only become human together
This particular piece by Apikos is about the consequences of adults waging wars of greed and
power, and the injustices that befall children because of them. Inspired by the story The Six
Swans, Apikos captures the moment of transformation from swan to human as each child helps
one another.
Ultimately, this piece is a testament to the vital nature of community during the worst of times.
Who are we if we cannot rely on one another?
We can only become human together.