Philly Artist Debuts Regional Exhibit at Rowan University

Devan Shimoyama's 'SHIFT' explores identity, transformation, and Black queerness through a reimagining of the Tarot deck.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Philadelphia-born artist Devan Shimoyama is bringing his artwork close to home with his solo regional debut exhibit, 'SHIFT,' at Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum. The exhibit, on view through March 21, ruminates on identity, transformation, and Black queerness through a reimagining of the Tarot deck's Major Arcana cards.

Why it matters

Shimoyama's work has been exhibited around the country, but this will be the first time his art is shown so close to his home city of Philadelphia. The exhibit provides an opportunity for his friends and family to see the artistic journey he has taken since growing up in northeast Philadelphia and changing his career path from pre-med to art.

The details

Shimoyama began exploring his artistic side in grade school, dabbling with music in his school's orchestra before turning to drawing, which his mother and grandmother encouraged. He started at Penn State with a focus on life sciences, with a trajectory toward pre-med, but eventually changed to art. After graduate school, Shimoyama took a visiting assistant professor position at Carnegie Mellon University that later became tenured, allowing him to bring professional art world experience into the classroom while being supported financially by the institution.

  • The 'SHIFT' exhibit will be on display at Rowan University through March 21, 2026.
  • Shimoyama's work will also appear in a group exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum later this year.

The players

Devan Shimoyama

A Philadelphia-born artist whose work ruminates on identity, transformation, and Black queerness through a reimagining of the Tarot deck's Major Arcana cards.

Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum

The gallery hosting Shimoyama's solo regional debut exhibit, 'SHIFT.'

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't in New York, seeing art galleries and contemporary artists working in that capacity very much, so I really hadn't had the vision for it before I got to school.”

— Devan Shimoyama, Artist (whyy.org)

“I was able to bring the kind of professional art world experience into the classroom, and then also be supported … financially … by the institution.”

— Devan Shimoyama, Artist (whyy.org)

What’s next

Shimoyama is currently working on continuing the 'SHIFT' series, featuring more of his Major Arcana Tarot card illustrations, which will appear in a group exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum later this year.

The takeaway

Shimoyama's 'SHIFT' exhibit at Rowan University showcases his artistic journey from a pre-med student to a successful professional artist, highlighting the power of perseverance and the ability to turn one's passion into a fulfilling career, even when the path may not be immediately clear.