“We Are Not Alone” Exhibition Explores Connection, Identity, and the Subconscious

 At Chesters Creative, an intimate gallery space known for pushing artistic boundaries, a new exhibition is offering a deeply personal and timely meditation on what it means to belong. We Are Not Alone, featuring works by artists Catherine Chesters and David Barnett, runs through June 23 and draws on themes of identity, migration, and the human need for connection — all set against a surreal, abstract backdrop.

The collaboration, which Chesters describes as “intuitive” and “stream-of-consciousness,” grew out of conversations between the two artists last fall. Both were independently exploring abstract forms, but quickly discovered that their artistic languages were in sync.

“We’re living in a time where we’re technically more connected than ever, but emotionally more isolated,” Chesters said in an interview. “This show came from a shared sense of unease. We wanted to create something that reminds people — you’re not alone.”

Despite the title, We Are Not Alone isn’t a literal nod to extraterrestrial life. Instead, it serves as a metaphor for human connection, the subconscious mind, and our relationship with the natural world. “It’s about community, and about nature as a teacher,” Chesters explained. “It’s about finding signals — not from space, necessarily — but from each other.”

The works on display reflect a cohesive, if unplanned, visual dialogue between the artists. Chesters’ pieces incorporate motifs from nature — including graphic patterns inspired by monarch butterflies, a subtle nod to migration — and finely rendered textures made up of dots and ribbons. Barnett’s works, by contrast, lean into cosmic symbolism, with recurring patterns that recall crop circles and abstract language systems.

“We didn’t check in on each other’s progress constantly,” said Chesters. “But when we finally brought the pieces together, there was this undeniable connection. The patterns, the energy — it all just worked.”

Their shared use of dots, for example, creates rhythm and texture across both bodies of work. Chesters uses them to build layered surfaces, while Barnett uses them more structurally, evoking celestial or coded forms. Ribbons in Chesters’ work, often resembling surveyor’s tape, reference property boundaries and ideas of ownership, drawing subtle connections to themes of displacement and land.

The exhibition opened to a strong turnout on May 24, with six pieces sold during the first two days. According to Chesters, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“People said it felt fresh. That the work was in conversation with itself,” she said. “It’s always gratifying to hear that, especially when you’ve poured so much of your own experience and emotion into it.”

Chesters is both the curator and one of the featured artists — a dual role she admits is rewarding but challenging. “I need to find someone to run the gallery so I can just be an artist again,” she joked.

As the exhibition’s final weeks approach, Chesters Creative is planning an Industry Night — an after-hours gathering geared toward those in the service and retail sectors who often miss weekend events. Set for a Monday evening in mid-June, the event will feature a Q&A with both artists and serve as a farewell to the show.

“It’s a nod to the people in our community who work weekends and support the arts behind the scenes,” said Chesters. “It’s also a last chance to see the show and hear more about the process from David and me.”

For Chesters, the exhibition has reinforced one central idea: that connection — through art, community, or shared experience — is more vital than ever.

We Are Not Alone is on view through June 23 at Chesters Creative. More information can be found at chesterscreative.com.