The art studio graduating class of 2026 from the Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio Program and the San Francisco State University School of Art present “Solve et Coagula,” a two-part exhibition showcasing works created during the first year of each institution’s M.F.A. program. Part two, “et Coagula,” opens on Thursday, Oct. 2. Both exhibitions are located at SWIM Gallery in San Francisco.

Solve et Coagula, the Latin motto meaning “dissolve and coagulate,” and purported maxim of Alchemists, is the guiding principle behind the exhibitions which look to break something down into its most basic elements (solve) and to then have them come together (coagula) in a different form. This pair of exhibitions bring up questions about change. How do we reconcile our relationship to destruction and make sense of that which is inadvertent versus intentional? Does Solve always precede Coagula, or is it sometimes the other way around? When, why? Artists frequently are the vanguard against the entropic forces, but they are also masters of subversion, adept at wielding chaos, degradation, and decay to serve a kind of spiritual and intellectual discipline and order. This is the paradox of Solve et Coagula.

Featured artists from UC Davis are Nick Block, Tara Daly, Levi Keatts, Davion Mack, Sean Olmstead and Marjorie Williams. Particpating graduate students from San Franciso State University are England Hidalgo, Evie Hidysmith, Brennan Lynch, Camila Michaliszyn, Monica Crystal Ocegueda, and Mary Lou Grace Robison.

Swim Gallery is also open by appointment: swimgallery@gmail.com

“Solve et Coagula” is on view from Sept. 22-Oct. 18 with an  opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.