There’s a common misconception that trauma is avoidable and that those experiencing it bear some responsibility. In reality, though, as trauma reverberates from its origins, it impacts all of our lives, whether through injury, death, violence, sexism, racism, or other forms of adversity.

No One Knows All It Takes invites four artists—Bryana Bibbs, Raoul Deal, Maria Gaspar, and Swoon (previously)—whose work explores the effects of concealed trauma and the inextricable ties between personal health and collective wellness. By addressing issues like addiction, incarceration, immigration, and a lack of systemic support for caregivers, the artists emphasize the power of personal stories to illuminate problems that are often overlooked or purposefully hidden from view. Moving beyond self-care and individualized treatments, the work directs us to some of the root causes of trauma and highlights systemic issues that undermine societal well-being.

No One Knows All It Takes presents opportunities for contextualizing traumatic experiences and generating empathy. The exhibition offers ways to build connections that reach beyond the museum walls and helps us to recognize that achieving true well-being is impossible without care for all.

This exhibition is curated by Colossal’s Christopher Jobson and Grace Ebert.

Join us for the opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on September 11 at the Haggerty Museum of Art in Milwaukee.