By Skylar Ogunshakin-White

The Lives We Never Lived is a group exhibition exploring alternative pasts, presents, and futures. It explores how the choices we make and the ones we don’t make shape who we become, questioning parts of ourselves that could have existed but never came to be. It focuses on the relationship and perceptions of how we view ourselves as human beings, including how self-critical we are and our capacity for good judgment, and whether that aligns with our chosen paths—confessions of our insecurities, truths, and desires. The parts of us that ponder, yet remain unseen within the human experience.

In this curating process, I was inspired by the idea of evolution and the “why” behind who we are as individuals. I wanted to create a theme that allowed for open interpretation and encouraged the 50 artist members featured in the exhibition to explore their own experiences, perspectives, and personal discovery. My goal was to challenge artists to engage in self-reflection by exploring identity in a way that hasn't been approached before. Fundamentally, the exhibition serves as a test, asking whether you're truly content with yourself and how far you've come in life.

Jazz Williams, *Merlot,* Oil, tissue paper, glitter, acrylic paint, gel pen, nail polish, and cut paper on acrylic panel, 7 x 5 inches

In Merlot by Jazz Williams, the artist uses tissue paper, acrylic paint, glitter, cut paper, and other mixed media materials on an acrylic panel. The piece was created upon a gift that she received in the past, serving as a tribute to the things “ that build us up to who we are and who we can become.” Jazz Williams is known for being a mixed media painter and incorporating themes of the black femme body and the natural world in her work. I love the idea of layering in Jazz’s pieces, as it feels reminiscent of the different phases and experiences throughout her womanhood. It’s as if each flower has witnessed a different part of her life, quietly carrying the memories of her journey. Rather than dwelling on the past, it is more appreciative of the relationships and support of those who have touched us.

Debra Perkins, *Essex Street, Acrylic paint on canvas, 12 x 12 inches*

Leading to less defined forms, Debra Perkins uses abstraction to express meaning. Your eyes can follow the lines throughout Essex Street, reflecting on the human experience as a whole. The painting draws on memories of New York City from long ago. Perkins uses streaks of black and gray to build upon the texture of the street, creating a sense of movement of people from all walks of life. Within each person lies something unique: their story, identity, and unspoken aspirations. Perkins captures the complexity of individual experiences surrounding a shared environment. The work encourages viewers to consider the hidden narratives, choices, and personal backgrounds to understand our character and navigation in life better.

Elaine Florimonte draws a connection between her artistic practice and navigating everyday life in her small-scale pieces 06.20.26, 06.23.26, and 06.24.26, which are part of her daily painting challenge series. Through intuitive layers of collage and color, she responds to evolving spatial relationships, allowing each mark to inform the next. The work reflects how each experience builds upon those before it, suggesting that even the smallest moments contribute to the paths we ultimately follow.

Skylar Ogunshakin-White, *Where Memories Blur*, A New Consciousness Begins, Acrylic and collage on wood panel, 24 x 24 inches

Combining both abstraction and realism, I was honored to showcase my artwork, Where Memories Blur, A New Consciousness Begins. The painting reflects a transitional period of tranquility, representing the realization that the past no longer defines you and the process of breaking away from recurring cognitive patterns. It serves as a celebration of rebirth, inner healing, and personal transformation. The work explores the emergence from a former version of oneself that was once clouded by hindering thoughts into someone new, guided by greater clarity, self-awareness, and growth.

Although I only highlighted a few, all of the artists and their artworks made meaningful contributions to my exhibition through the selection process. Rather than focusing on selecting specific works, my curatorial process centered on thoughtfully arranging the pieces to create connections and conversations between the artists. Through the layout, I considered elements such as color, texture, similar meanings, and the ways each artwork could speak to one another through figures, shapes, and movement. I also focused on creating balance between more defined works that complement ones more abstract during transitional periods. Throughout the process, I was mindful of how the viewer’s eyes would move through the exhibition and how each artwork could be experienced from beginning to end.

Left: McCain McMurray, *M52*, Acrylic on cradle board, 24 x 8 x 1.5 inches; Right: Makda Kibour, *Titk: the Three of us again*, Acrylic, paper, and fabric on canvas, 30 x 40 inches

Hearing the artists share their stories taught me that many different aspects of life contribute to our growth and progression. Reaching what we think is our full potential is not a final destination but an ongoing journey. Evolving as human beings means constantly learning about ourselves and one another. Our consciousness is always driven by curiosity, searching for what we believe is best for ourselves. I want viewers to take away from this exhibition that they are greater than their limitations and that the little moments we often overlook are a significant part of discovering who we are. I hope that, as you move through the exhibition, you find a piece of yourself within these stories, and recognize that there are no right or wrong answers to the choices we make.

As I bid my internship farewell, I can leave saying that my time at Touchstone was a valuable experience. From gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of providing artists with a platform and understanding their creative processes; to recognizing connections between artists and the themes expressed through their artwork; and understanding Touchstone Gallery’s role within the local art community. All crucial moments that helped me become a better artist and supporter of the arts as well.

Curating The Lives We Never Lived was the highlight of my internship and gave me the opportunity to bring artists together through a shared theme. If you would like to experience the exhibition, it will be on view through August 16.