ACTivate Residency Filmmaker 2026
Evan Sheets is a Boston-based filmmaker and photographer with a drive to tell the stories of his community around him. Ever-exploring the humanistic and natural qualities of emotion, Evan aims his lens toward the diversity of the unique communities that create Boston’s historically transformative milieu. As a cinematographer, he attempts to execute dynamic imagery in his collaborative work with local musicians, artists, non-profits, and small businesses. As a screenwriter and director, Evan works closely with subjects to develop concepts that most-effectively communicate the stories of those needing to be heard. In his latest music video “Things I Never Say” by Mattapan-based artist Kergi, Evan developed a loose narrative to explore the complicated themes of loss, regret, and internal confusion that Kergi speaks to in his song. Evan is also working on his debut short film, “Raindrops,” which explores the concept of masculinity through dialogue about relationships, financial pressures and responsibility, and imagery of nature, violence, and ritual.
Evan has worked closely over the years as a video contractor with HipStory, and was part of their 2023 Creative Partners Program, where he developed a photo series called “Rappers Delight” working with five local rappers in a playful portrait project depicting them with their favorite sweets and treats. “Rappers Delight” culminated in a gallery exhibition that featured performances from the rappers involved and the release of a physical photobook of the series.
With no shortage of ideas and deep roots in the Boston arts community, he strives to be integral to every project’s goals and aesthetic needs, while allowing the work and collaboration to move synchronically with the development and experimentation of his own artistic style, and always keeping the practice of capturing the stories of his cultural communities a priority.
2026
ACTivate Residency
Filmmaker Evan Sheets will work closely with ACTivate Residents Skooby Laposky and Daniel Pravit Fethke to document their residency and week-long takeover of the BCA Cyclorama, culminating in a short film that captures their collaborative project.
Project Statement
Untitled 2026 (Recipe/Requiem/Remix) is a social artwork by Skooby Laposky that will function as a Thai pop-up restaurant, sound installation, and restorative space within the Cyclorama. Inspired by Rirkrit Tiravanija’s cooking-based artworks, the project invites the Greater Boston public to share in a communal meal and a moment of reflection.
Working with Brooklyn-based artist Daniel Pravit Fethke, Laposky will prepare a selection of his late mother Oratai Boonlorm’s favorite Thai recipes featuring horapa (Thai basil) as the central ingredient. The basil will be growing onsite in Aerogardens, surrounding the cooking space and connecting guests directly to the living plants. Meals will be cooked on electric woks identical to those used by Tiravanija, blending homage with personal narrative. The basil plants will be connected to Laposky’s custom biodata sonification system, generating ambient music in real time based on the plants’ physiological responses to human interaction.
This evolving sound “requiem,” incorporating recordings of Laposky’s mother’s khaen, will be presented through a multi-channel speaker system. Visitors are invited to rest, listen, and reflect, nourishing both body and spirit through food, memory, and sound.