“The Sum of Unity,” curated by artist and Herron alumnus Samuel Levi Jones, is a composite exhibition in response to the divisive climate in which we all find ourselves.

The main thrust of the exhibition will be protest signs – an art form that is often overlooked – created by more than 50 Indiana- and Chicago-based artists, including Herron students, faculty and staff. As an auxiliary part of The Sum of Unity, Indianapolis artists Shamira Wilson and Clayton Hamilton have been asked to create new large-scale murals that will be seen alongside the 2018 animated video by Kota Ezawa, National Anthem.

Supported in part by Stuart’s Moving and Storage, Indianapolis, “The Sum of Unity” will remain on display in the Berkshire, Reese and Paul Galleries until April 17.

A virtual reception with the exhibiting artists will take place on Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 3. To participate, register in advance online at go.iu.edu/3w90 or watch the livestream at facebook.com/HerronGalleries.

Herron’s exhibitions in Eskenazi Hall, 735 W. New York St., are free of charge and will reopen to the public on Monday, Feb. 8. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Virtual 360-degree tours will be made available in addition to in-person experiences.

Visit HerronGalleries.org or call 317-278-9410 for more up-to-date information on health and safety protocols, exhibitions, virtual tours, gallery hours, and parking.

Image: Kota Ezawa, still from “National Anthem,” 2018. Single-channel high-definition video with color and sound (1:48). Courtesy of the artist.