John Isiah Walton, Black Paintings: Identity, Place + Spirit

June 14th - October 6th, 2021

Closing Reception + Performance by Kumasi Afrobeat Band October 6th @  5:00 PM

 

The SLU Contemporary Art Gallery proudly presents new paintings, works on paper, and a collaborative animated music video by New Orleans Based Artist John Isiah Walton. The exhibition Black Paintings: Cybernetic Folklore, Place, + Spirit derives its title from the form and subject matter depicted in Isiah’s artwork. Referencing Picasso’s “Blue Period” Isiah’s recent paintings uniformly begin with a grounding of black acrylic pigment which are then layered with white outlines and swift, colorful brushstrokes. Working in a reactionary manner, Isiah’s visual language is influenced by internet aesthetics, Black identity, pop culture, and Louisiana History to deliver poignant social commentary and a reflection of our contemporary moment. The exhibition is the first of its kind, featuring over thirty large-scale paintings created by John Isiah Walton over the last two years.