Shaper of God is an exhibition by American Artist (they/them) inspired by the life and work of science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler (b. 1947, Pasadena, CA). The exhibit is multidisciplinary, and takes as one of its central tenets that the only way we are going to survive is in community.

I’ve linked below a review from The Art Newspaper as well as a PDF you can download. The gallery exhibition page explains that “Shaper of God was born out of Artist’s interest in understanding how the specificities of their birthplace, from the roads to the institutions, fauna and political climate, impacted Butler as an adolescent who aspired to be a full-fledged writer.” I’m drawn to the exhibit as a critical and creative presentation of place, as a piece of speculative imagining, and as a testament to community.

American Artist: Shaper of God at Pioneer Works, January 24 - April 13, 2025. Courtesy of the artist and Pioneer Works. Photo by Dan Bradica.

The link to Pioneer Works will likely break when the exhibit closes, so please search round for their archived exhibit area if you’re coming across this post after April 2025.