This week at SUNIverse, we delve into the profound works that shape our understanding of water, identity, and resilience through art. Alyssa Johnson interviews artist Calida Rawles, whose Spelman College exhibition explores the dual nature of water—both life-giving and traumatic—for the African diaspora.

The exhibit uses water as a metaphor for the balance in life, illustrating the peaks and troughs that define human experience. For Ms Rawles, swimming late in her youth was not just about skill but about reclaiming a part of her community’s history that had been lost or overlooked. Her work is a testament to the healing power of art.

Elsewhere, Richard Grant from Smithsonian Magazine reports on the dedicated collectors and artisans at Potter USA in Rhode Island. These craftspeople are working to preserve traditional techniques for die-struck jewelry, which are under threat from modern AI-driven technologies. This highlights a broader tension between tradition and innovation.

In another story, Jesse Dorris from The Guardian discusses the new book 'Fire Island Art', which delves into the rich artistic heritage of Fire Island’s queer community. The community is celebrated for its deep engagement with nature, art, and literature, challenging the stereotype of a simple party destination.

Finally, Miaad Bianki from Public Books reflects on her experience translating a story about death during the Tehran blackout. Amidst US and Israeli bombardment, she found herself grappling with the urgency of memory in a world where life is seen as disposable. The act of translation became an act of radical care, bridging the gap between literature and lived reality.