About the WBOB Likeness Exhibit

During a period of social, political and public health tumult, members of the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health were inspired to make changes to our working and learning environment that mirrored the changes taking place in our communities. With the goal of increasing the diversity of artists and images displayed in our workspace, a collection of art was procured through loan from the Weisman Art Museum and through acquisition for the permanent collection.

The resulting exhibit, Likeness, contains 4 purchased pieces by artists thoughtfully chosen from our own University of Minnesota student body. The art and artists represent the current and future art community both here in Minneapolis and abroad. Previously underrepresented in our workspace, their contemporary perspectives reflect identities, ideas, and experiences that enrich and inform our work in Public Health. Artists who identify themselves as Queer, women, disabled and/ or BIPOC or AAPI are the focus as the division looks to build an art collection that more closely resembles our community.

Through the lending library at the Weisman Art Museum, 6 pieces of art were chosen to represent the beginnings of the Weisman's efforts to diversify and open their consideration to artists and subjects outside the norm. From art that celebrates the strength, resiliency, and social justice exemplified by organized labor to art by Indigenous women that subverts centuries of oppression by boldly laying claim to a future, the pieces from the Weisman further the change our division is striving to make.

Each of these 10 pieces tells a different story and we encourage you to reflect on how they resonate with each other.

How are they different? How do those differences improve the exhibit?

How are they alike? How does your perspective change when looking for the like-ness?

The Likeness exhibit is a joint effort of the EpiCH Diversity Equity and Inclusion team and the Community Building Task Force. The collection was curated by the EPIART team, a multi-disciplinary group of EpiCH members who volunteered their time, knowledge and effort.

Because of the exhibit's commitment to increasing representation and expanding the variety of likenesses in our art collection, dedicated DEI funding was used to move the division forward in this area. By purchasing pieces from UMN Fine Arts students and supporting the Weisman Art Museum rental library, stakeholders were able to make a large impact through a modest investment into the university community .

If you are interested in learning more about the exhibit, please watch the art team present on their motivation, process and the end result.