Since August, the Tufts University Art Galleries at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts has been home to “Ulises: Assembly” — an exciting residency and exhibition that puts the spotlight on the often-overlooked labor of bookworkers. The project by Philadelphia-based Ulises collective, formed in 2016 by Nerissa Cooney, Lauren Downing, Kayla Romberger, Gee Wesley and Ricky Yanas, takes center stage at the Grossman & Anderson Galleries with its first institutional residency and solo exhibition. Running through Nov. 10, this exhibition is more than just a display of art — it’s an invitation for Tufts students and the Boston community to engage in an immersive exploration of art publishing and collective practice.
Each project Ulises undertakes seeks to ask, “What do you do?” — a deceptively simple question that opens the door to complex conversations about labor, creativity and the unspoken bonds between people who make printed works. In Assembly, the collective honors the behind-the-scenes efforts, friendships and collaborative energy that fuel the art publishing world, shedding light on the processes often invisible to the public.
But why was Ulises chosen for this residency at SMFA? The answer lies in the diversity of their projects, which consistently challenge the boundaries of traditional art practice. Their collaborative approach makes them ideal partners for a university setting that thrives on cross-disciplinary dialogue. This exhibition presents an opportunity to bring art, design, publishing and social engagement into one cohesive experience, a perfect fit for Tufts’ innovative, student-centered community.
The exhibition also includes contributions from a roster of standout artists, each bringing their own unique perspectives on art publishing. One of the contributors, Nontsikelelo Mutiti, a Zimbabwean-born visual artist, highlights the work and practices of Black people by integrating print culture, language and diasporic narratives in her work.
The Ulises exhibition also includes a public billboard designed by Ken Lum. Lum’s background in art aligns with Ulises’ mission to engage publics in unconventional ways, making his work a perfect extension of the exhibition’s themes.
For Tufts students, Ulises isn’t just a gallery experience with its own bookshop but rather an active, engaging space where the making of art, ideas and publications comes to life in real time.
Whether you’re an art major, someone interested in design or just looking to experience something new, Ulises is a must-see. It’s not just about viewing art, but understanding the collaborative processes that make these publications powerful, cultural objects. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the people behind the books and a greater sense of how collective efforts can transform art, publishing and society itself.
"Ulises: Assembly" is open now through Nov. 10 at the Grossman & Anderson Galleries, 230 Fenway, Boston.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to more accurately reflect the contributions of the Tufts University Art Galleries and Nontsikelelo Mutiti.
