About the exhibition:

Rolling resistance refers to the mechanics that Philadelphia’s trolley lines use to move along their designated tracks. Many have been paved over with asphalt, only revealing themselves and their history through slow disintegration and damage. This exhibition, inspired by the resistance of the unearthed trolley tracks which refuse to remain concealed, explores the hidden narratives within the infrastructure of our urban landscape. Much like the city's streets, our walls, histories, and urban identity have been layered over time. Belgian Blocks lie beneath asphalt, iron is veiled by paint, and limewash is camouflaged by graffiti. The cracks in the pavement and the chips in the paint become portals to the hidden stories, revealing the truth of their construction and the resistance of urban architecture. 

Through a collection of artworks comprising architectural studies, detailed photography, and nostalgic tributes to Philadelphia's historical past, this exhibition peels back the layers of the city's existence. The trolley tracks, resilient beneath the asphalt, serve as a metaphor for the resilience of Philadelphia's history. Scaffolding rises and falls, transportation lines overlap in a complex dance above and below our city's infrastructure, and concourse access becomes a symbol of resistance.

Join us on a journey through the visual tapestry of Philadelphia, where each layer tells a story, and each crack reveals a fragment of our collective identity. Rolling Resistance invites you to contemplate the narratives embedded in our city's layers and reflect on how they shape our understanding of what it means to be a Philadelphian. 

Rolling Resistance will be on view in Gallery 1 at Da Vinci Art Alliance starting May 2 until March 19. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, May 4, from 4-7 pm.

Featured DVAA ArtistS:

Blue Benet, Annie Stone, Barbara Dirnbach, Bennett Lorber, Bill Brookover, Carlos A. Gil, Blue Benet, Chabane Djouder, Gary Grissom, Gloria Klaiman, Howard Brunner, Jake Weiss, Joann Neufeld, Jonathan Gabel, Julia Wald, Lara Bros, Lucy Shaiken, Mark Krull, Meg Wolensky, Rob Lybeck, and Sam Koren.