Southern Gothic

I have a solo show up right now through the end of the month at Gallery 119 in downtown Jackson.   It is titled Southern Gothic and it is a continuation of my visual exploration of the use of contemporary realism and narrative in paintings and drawings.  This particular approach to my art began with my exhibition "Songs of Innocence / Songs of Experience" in the Spring of 2010.  

I am also continuing the use of handmade paper as a support for my oil paintings.  The folds, ripples, and tears allow the paper to become its own character  in the narrative.  The composition I apply to the paper itself comes from a curiosity of how the personality of a piece can shift as multiple sheets of paper are put together in various ways.  For example, in the painting "Fearmonger" I used random scraps of torn paper collaged together in a design that contrasts with the simplicity and symmetry of the painting itself.  Another example is the painting "Patchwork".  I wove together strips of paper to create a grid-like pattern.  A border was put around the woven paper to give the feeling of a quilt or blanket.  My use of traditional painting techniques on a nontraditional surface encourages the viewer to consider that which the painting is done on.  It is an important and much overlooked element of the final painting. 

The title of this exhibition refers to a genre found in many art forms where the work focuses on life particular to the American South.  Often used to describe the literary work of William Faulkner, the photography of Sally Mann, and the music of Jim White; this subject explores southern culture through social observations and commentary, without being moralistically critical.  Southern Gothic work usually uses dark and mysterious content to push its broader themes, however, what is disturbing to one may be innocent to another.  The paintings "The Target" and "Southern Gothic" are good examples of images that could be read either way depending on the viewers personal perspective and experiences.  My attempt at this genre is simply an honest study of my life in and my perceptions of life in the South.  

Here is a selection of the work from the show... 

Expecting the Fall

Oil on handmade paper

22"x28"

Fearmonger

Oil on collaged handmade paper

24"x30"

Patchwork

Oil on woven handmade paper

31"x38"

Self Portrait

Oil on handmade paper

30"x60"

Southern Gothic

Oil on handmade paper

22"x28"

The Target

Oil on handmade paper

30"x60"

Tree Removal 4 (series of 6)

Ink on paper

5.5"x8" 

Tree Surgeon

Silverpoint on prepared paper

5.5"x5.5"