No One Knows All It Takes

Please note the Museum will be closed on Labor Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving.

There's a common misconception that trauma is avoidable and that those experiencing it bear some responsibility. In reality, though, as trauma reverberates from its origins, it impacts all of our lives, whether through injury, death, violence, sexism, racism, or other forms of adversity.

"No One Knows All It Takes" invites four artists (Bryana Bibbs, Raoul Deal, Maria Gaspar, and Swoon [Caledonia Curry]) whose work explores the effects of concealed trauma and the inextricable ties between personal health and collective wellness. By addressing issues like addiction, incarceration, immigration, and a lack of systemic support for caregivers, the artists emphasize the power of personal stories to illuminate problems that are often overlooked or purposefully hidden from view. Moving beyond self-care and individualized treatments, the work directs us to some of the root causes of trauma and highlights systemic issues that undermine societal well-being.

"No One Knows All It Takes" presents opportunities for contextualizing traumatic experiences and generating empathy. The exhibition offers ways to build connections that reach beyond the museum walls and helps us to recognize that achieving true well-being is impossible without care for all.

"No One Knows All It Takes" was curated by Christopher Jobson and Grace Ebert, of Colossal.

Support for this exhibition is generously provided by the Lacey Sadoff Foundation, Fred and Barb Syrjanen, and the Marquette University Women’s Council Endowment Fund. With in-kind support from Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel.

Media Partner Colossal

Image: Swoon, "Medea", 2017, Wood, hand cut paper, linoleum block print on paper and mylar, acrylic gouache, found object, telephones, and audio, Courtesy of the artist