Detour (Thomas Evans)
Artist & Creative Entrepreneur | Independent / Denver-based
Thomas “Detour” Evans is a Denver-based multidisciplinary artist whose practice bridges large-scale murals, public sculpture, interactive installations, and experimental studio work. Known for his bold use of color and ability to merge abstract and representational styles, Detour creates artwork that tells stories rooted in culture, memory, and community engagement.
With murals across four continents, Detour’s public art is site-responsive, often shaped by dialogue with the local environment and its people. He’s painted towering 70-foot vertical murals and designed pieces that embrace architectural irregularities—always with the goal of creating experiences that inspire and uplift.
A key piece in his portfolio is It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back, a sculptural installation at Denver International Airport. Built from 183 donated suitcases and mounted on a sweeping steel structure, the work symbolizes the power of journey, return, and shared narratives.
In his studio practice, Detour continually experiments with technology—exploring sound, sensors, and interactive media to push the boundaries of how audiences engage with visual art. This fusion of tech and tradition reflects his belief that innovation is essential to creative evolution.
Detour is also the author of Be the Artist, a practical guide designed to help emerging creatives navigate the complexities of building a sustainable art career. Drawing from personal experience, he offers tools and insights for artists to find their voice, structure their practice, and thrive.Through all facets of his work, Detour demonstrates that public art is not just about what we see—it’s about what we feel, share, and carry with us.
